Performing the Peace: Using Playback Theatre in the Strengthening of Police Community Relations
Abstract:Background: Police community relations have catapulted onto the national stage after several high profile instances of alleged police brutality. Blame and hostility can be barriers to positive police community relations. Playback is a form of audience inspired, improvisational theater designed to promote connectivity and empathy through storytelling.Objectives: We tested the feasibility and acceptability of an arts based intervention, bringing together police officers and formerly incarcerated individuals from the same community in Memphis, Tennessee.Methods: We collected pre/post quantitative data from five police officers and five ex offenders who took part in the intervention, as well as qualitative data to provide contextual information.Results: The project was feasible and acceptable to participants. Participants showed gains in their ability to make meaning of stressful life experiences. The officers and ex offenders showed parallel gains in their increased positive attitudes toward the other group.Conclusions: This study demonstrates that creating contexts of safety and understanding necessary to address relational problems is both feasible and acceptable to law enforcement and ex offenders.
Progress in community health partnerships research, education, and action