05/18/2026
📄 New research from Michigan State University's School of Criminal Justice finds "that people tend to fear the police most when they feel that unjustified harm from the police is likely and that, if it occurs, it will be severe."
The study looked at the psychology of community perceptions of law enforcement, investigating the reasons why people might fear police.
💡 An article coauthored by one of the MSU staff involved in the study explains why this matters:
"The findings highlight the need to address police violence by better preparing officers to recognize and respond appropriately to threats, while limiting the use of more harmful tactics and weapons that can escalate encounters. The researchers note, however, that even if the actual risk and severity of police violence decrease, public perceptions and fears may take longer to change.
To strengthen relationships between the public and law enforcement, trust is key. Law enforcement must consistently demonstrate to the public — in word and action — that police can do their jobs appropriately and that they are serving and acting in the public’s best interest."
You can read more about the study on MSU's website.
https://msutoday.msu.edu/news/2026/05/fear-and-law-enforcement
🚨 This is one of many reasons we put on events like our biannual Livonia Pull Over Prevention: Free Car Light Repair. Police stops for defective car lights disproportionately affect Black drivers and fixing those lights reduces the opportunity for such potentially hazardous--and fear-inducing--police stops.
MSU researchers find reducing fear is critical for improving trust in law enforcement
