Date of Award
1-1-2009
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Department
Administration of Justice
First Advisor
Schafer, Joseph
Abstract
This project uses secondary data to determine if the variables included could predict a relationship outcome. Police departments in areas with a population of 100,000 or more were surveyed. There were 255 surveys sent to departments and 194 cases were used. Cross-sectional data was used and the data was analyzed by logistical and OLS regressions. My four hypotheses were not supported by the analysis. Some of the dependent variables included in the project are the working relation with the media, media communication creates a positive image, the media sensationalizes crime, and the media interferes during investigations. Some of the independent variables are the existence of a media policy, the number of media outlets, number of sworn officers, and if the department employs a PIO. The four hypotheses were not supported, but help to show which variables fail to predict the relationship between the police and the media or how the respondents perceive how the department is viewed by the public.
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