Abstract

CERQUEIRA-SANTOS, Elder et al. Police officers' conceptions about street children: A study about prejudice. PsicoUSF [online]. 2006, vol.11, n.2, pp. 249-256. ISSN 1413-8271.

This study aims to investigate police officers conception of street children. The ecological engagement was used to interview twenty male police officers, selected by chance, on the streets. A qualitative analyses was based on the interviews and the researchers journal notes. The main criteria that the police officers used to define street children was the children appearance, their activities on the streets, their behaviors, the frequency that they stay on the streets, the place where they stay and their family contact. These criteria show that they attributed negative value to children. In the other hand, some relativism was perceived in their concept of street child. This study stressed the importance of the professional qualification to fight against this social problem, mainly through educative work, which will allow the understanding of the children street life dynamics.

Keywords : Police; Prejudice; Street children.

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