This study investigates the impact of the “racist police officer” stereotype on burnout among frontline police officers. Grounded in stereotype threat and dirty work scholarship, we argue that this stereotype constitutes a significant identity threat, heightening officers’ anxiety, job-related stress, and self-monitoring during interactions with minority communities. These processes deplete cognitive resources, exacerbating burnout. Analyzing survey data from frontline officers collected in 2021, we find that white officers reported greater concerns about appearing racist compared to non-white officers, with these concerns intensifying among those who found the 2020 community protests stressful. Officers who expressed concerns about being perceived as racist reported significantly higher levels of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and overall burnout. These effects persisted even after controlling for burnout levels reported in a 2019 survey of the same officers. These findings deepen understanding of stereotype threat’s impact on high-status public sector employees, emphasizing the need for interventions to address stereotype-related stress and promote officer well-being.
Hassan, S., Wright, B. E., & Tinkler, J. (2025). Concerns for Appearing as Racist and Burnout Among Frontline Police Officers. In Academy of Management Proceedings (Vol. 2025, No. 1, p. 24909). Valhalla, NY 10595: Academy of Management.
