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Mind the Gap: Attitudes about Miranda Warnings among Police Chiefs and Citizens

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Abstract

Research shows that the police subculture can be characterized by a distinct set of values and beliefs. Much of the police subculture research has focused on common characteristics and values found among a sample of police officers. Fewer studies have considered how the police, as a group, are similar to citizens. In this study, attention is given to similarities and differences in how the police and the public perceive the Miranda warnings. Attention is also given to whether type of neighborhood (low crime versus high crime) is related to attitudes about the Miranda warnings. Findings suggest that while the warnings are perceived in different ways there are similarities that could bridge the gap between the police and public. Implications are suggested.

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Further Reading

  • Offutt v. United States, 348 U.S.11, 14 (1954)

  • Miranda v. Arizona, 384 U.S. 436, 86 (1966)

  • Dickerson v. United States, 530 U.S. 428, 120 (2000)

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Criminal Justice, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, 30302, USA

    Brian K. Payne & Wendy P. Guastaferro

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  1. Brian K. Payne
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  2. Wendy P. Guastaferro
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Correspondence to Brian K. Payne.

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We would like to thank the reviewer and the editor for their insightful comments. We believe the manuscript is greatly improved based on their feedback.

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Payne, B.K., Guastaferro, W.P. Mind the Gap: Attitudes about Miranda Warnings among Police Chiefs and Citizens. J Police Crim Psych 24, 93–103 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11896-009-9040-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11896-009-9040-4

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