This mixed- method research analyses how media in the case study of the disappeared Amarildo de Souza is an indicator of the perceived police legitimacy in Brazil. The methodology utilised for...Show moreThis mixed- method research analyses how media in the case study of the disappeared Amarildo de Souza is an indicator of the perceived police legitimacy in Brazil. The methodology utilised for analyses was copied from the research of Sela-Shayovitz and provided the following four indicators for police legitimacy: trust in police, police performance, interpersonal treatment and procedural-justice process (2015). By categorizing quotes, sentences and comments within the positive or negative side of these indicators, the affect media has on framing police legitimacy could be established towards the three selected timeframes. The analysed secondary sources include academic articles, as well as online newspapers, documentaries, and social media pages relating to the campaign Where is Amarildo? and the favela Rocinha. The research displayed that the first hypothesis, which assumed that the disappearance of Amarildo displays a predominantly negative coverage and leads to diminished police legitimacy, is partly true. Subsequently, the second hypothesis was that the closure of the case in February 2016 could display a mainly positive indication of police legitimacy due to the established sense of justice. It can be concluded that this assumption is false in relation to the mainstream media and partly true in relation to the grass root voices. Furthermore, the research displayed that the hypotheses that the indicators interpersonal treatment and procedural-justice process are the main indicators of police legitimacy was false. It is strongly advised to conduct more research on these four indicators, or additional variables, in order to avoid future ‘Amarildo’s’.Show less
