Through Their Eyes: How Do Burmese Residents In Indianapolis Perceive the Criminal Justice System?

Indianapolis, IN

The purpose of this study is to understand how Burmese residents in Indianapolis perceive the Criminal Justice System, and the perceived effectiveness of the system to their community. This study will enhance past literature by giving a narrative to a minority group that has been overlooked in the Criminal Justice literature. Purposive sampling methods were used and the study was conducted within the Indianapolis area at several public facilities. In-depth interviews will be conducted with approximately 10-15 respondents. Questions range from open-ended such as how do you perceive the Criminal Justice System, what has shaped these views, to questions that involve Burmese residents that have interacted with the Criminal Justice System such as how did you perceive your treatment. Preliminary findings suggest that length of time plays a role in shaping perceptions about the Criminal Justice System in addition to past experiences in their previous country. Preliminary findings also suggests an underground narrative about the Criminal Justice System exists within the community. Refugees that have been in contact with the Criminal Justice System play an important role in shaping these views. The findings of this study have the potential to reshape how Burmese residents and the Criminal Justice System interacts with one another.