PROCEDURAL JUSTICE AND PUBLIC TRUST: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF OFFICER-INVOLVED SHOOTING INVESTIGATION MODELS IN CALIFORNIA LAW ENFORCEMENT
Loading...
Authors
Calonge, Nicholas J.
Subjects
police
legitimacy
procedural justice
criminal investigations
models of investigation
officer-involved shootings
OIS
legitimacy
procedural justice
criminal investigations
models of investigation
officer-involved shootings
OIS
Advisors
Bellavita, Christopher
Dahl, Erik J.
Date of Issue
2025-03
Date
Publisher
Monterey, CA; Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
This thesis examines how investigative methods for officer-involved shootings (OIS) influence media reporting through the lens of procedural justice. Focusing on case studies of the Vallejo and San Diego Police Departments, it explores how shifts in investigative practices, such as transitioning to a task force method, impact media narratives about police agencies. The study reviews policies from over 100 California law enforcement agencies, legislative efforts, and media reports on OIS cases involving Vallejo PD and San Diego PD (2019–2023). The analysis focuses on the effects of investigative neutrality on public confidence, a key element of subjective police legitimacy. Findings indicate that adopting independent investigative practices enhances procedural justice perceptions in the press and can reduce public skepticism. At a minimum, such changes do not harm media portrayals of police agencies. Statewide variations in OIS methods highlight the need for standardized policies to uphold procedural justice tenets across agencies. The work contributes to understanding how investigative choices shape police legitimacy and offers recommendations for fostering transparency, fairness, and community trust in policing practices.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
Organization
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
Sponsors
Funder
Format
Citation
Distribution Statement
Distribution Statement A. Approved for public release: Distribution is unlimited.
Rights
Copyright is reserved by the copyright owner.