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Defund vs. refund: The role of funding in police reform in the U.S

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  • Guler, Ahmet
  • Kula, Sedat
  • Boke, Kaan

Abstract

This study empirically investigates the socio-psychological, contextual, and demographic factors influencing individual support for defunding and refunding the police. Using survey data from the northeastern U.S., the study tests eight hypotheses within a structural equation modeling framework. The analysis finds that confidence in police is positively associated with support for refunding the police but is not significantly associated with support for defunding. Willingness to collaborate with police is negatively associated with support for defunding and positively associated with support for refunding. In addition, willingness to collaborate mediates the relationship between confidence in police and both defunding and refunding attitudes. Moreover, the perceived need for police reform mediates the relationship between confidence in police and support for defunding but does not mediate the relationship between confidence in police and support for refunding. Among demographic and contextual variables, age, education, household income, and television consumption significantly predict funding preferences, while political ideology, race, sex, newspaper readership, and social media usage do not. These findings highlight the complex interplay of individual perceptions and demographic factors in shaping public opinion on police reform through funding preferences. Policy implications and future research directions are discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Guler, Ahmet & Kula, Sedat & Boke, Kaan, 2025. "Defund vs. refund: The role of funding in police reform in the U.S," Journal of Criminal Justice, Elsevier, vol. 101(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jcjust:v:101:y:2025:i:c:s0047235225001990
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jcrimjus.2025.102550
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    References listed on IDEAS

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