Further exploration of the demeanor hypothesis: The interaction effects ofsuspects' characteristics and demeanor on police behavior

Recent research has reexamined the hypothesis that suspects' demeanor affec ts police behavior. Reanalyses have supported this demeanor hypothesis, but none have considered the possible interaction effect of demeanor with othe r extralegal variables. Utilizing systematic observational data collected i n 24 police departments in three metropolitan areas, this research examines whether demeanor and suspects' characteristics interact, and ultimately pr oduce differential patterns of citation, arrest, and the use of force. Thes e estimated interaction effects provide a clearer understanding of the effe ct of demeanor in different contexts; more important, they acknowledge that officers accept some forms of disrespect but not others, depending on fact ors outside demeanor alone.