Interviews and Focus Groups PJTS

Introduction

The title of this research study is “Procedural Justice on Traffic Stops: A CommunityPerspective."

I am Katie Alexander, a doctoral student under the supervision of Dr. Hess in the College of Doctoral Studies at Grand Canyon University.

The purpose of this study is to explore how community members describe procedurally justtraffic stops in a southwestern state.

Key Information

This document defines the terms and conditions for consenting to participate in this research study.

How do I know if I can be in this study?

You can participate in this study if you:

Are age 18 or older.
Are a resident of Harris County, Texas.
Have interacted with law enforcement through a traffic stop.

You cannot participate in this study if you:o Are under the age of 18.

Are not a resident of Harris County, Texas.
Have never interacted with law enforcement through a traffic stop.
Might risk harm by participating.o Do not agree to informed consent.
Have a current or pending criminal case in court which could complicate participation.

Research Activities: What am I being asked to do?

If you agree to be in this study, you will be asked to:

What Complete a demographic questionnaire (5 minutes) and participate in one of the following: (You may only participate in one of the three options below)
- Complete a questionnaire that will include questions on traffic stops (10-15 minutes).
- Participate in a one-on-one interview which will include questions on traffic stops(the interview will take approximately 60-90 minutes).
- Participate in a focus group that involves participating in a group discussion on trafficstops (the focus group will take approximately 60-90 minutes).

When
- Complete a questionnaire or schedule a date and time to meet via Zoom between November 2023 and April 2024.
Where
- Participate online from a location of your choice.
How
- Respond to questions related to traffic stops during an interview, focus group, or on a questionnaire

Audio Recording (Interviews)
- I will use the audio recording feature of the online conferencing platform Zoom torecord your responses. You cannot participate if you do not wish to be recorded. To protect your identity, you will use a numerical ID assigned to you or a pseudonym of your choice.
Video Recording (Focus Groups)
- I will use the video recording feature of the online conferencing platform Zoom to record your actions. Because this recording will show who you are, a numerical ID or pseudonym will be used as your screen name. All participants in the focus group will be advised to keep all comments confidential and not discuss what happens outside the meeting. You cannot participate if you do not wish to be recorded.

Who will have access to my data/information?

I will have access to all of your data and information. In addition, my dissertation chair, committee members, and all College of Doctoral Studies Reviewers may view your information and your answers as part of the dissertation review process.

Am I required to participate in this study?

Your participation in this study is completely voluntary. After reading this informed consent, you can decide whether to participate in this study or not. Also, if you choose to participate and then change your mind, you can leave the study at any time, even if you have not finished, without any penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled. If you decide to stop participation, you may do so by sending an email to advise of your decision to leave the study. If so, I will not use the information that I collected from you before you chose to stop.

Any possible risks or discomforts?

There are no foreseeable risks or discomforts associated with this study.

Any direct benefits for me?

There are no direct benefits, but possible benefits may include improving relationships between law enforcement and communities.

Any paid compensation or incentives for my time?

Survey participants will not get paid for their participation; however, participants who complete an interview or participate in a focus group will receive a $20 digital Amazon gift card as a token of appreciation for their time and contribution. Upon completion of the interview or focus group session, the gift card will be sent to the email address provided by the participant.

Presentation of Information Collected

The research data obtained will be published as a dissertation. Data may be presented at conferences in the future and will be grouped.

Privacy and Data Security

Will other researchers ever be able to link my data/responses back to me?No

Will my initial data include information that can identify me (names, addresses, or other identifying material, such as audio, specific demographics, etc.)

Only the researcher and other personnel authorized by Grand Canyon University will have access to information that can identify the participant.

Will researchers assign my data/responses a research ID code to use instead of my name?

Yes, participants will be assigned a number that will be used to identify and save the written and audio data.

If yes, how will researchers create a list to link names with their research ID codes?

The researcher will create a list with names and numbers. The list will be secured in a GoogleDrive and will be password protected. The researcher will be the only one with access and thelist will be deleted 3 years after transcription of the data.

How long will the link be kept? Who has access? What is the approximate destruction date?

The list will be saved on Google Drive and will be password-protected. This researcher will be the only one with access, and the files will be deleted 3 years after transcription of the data.

How and where will my data be protected (electronic and hardcopy)?

Data will be in the form of electronic and which will be safeguarded through use of passwords and encryption and saved on a Google Drive. Back-up copies of the data will be stored on an external hard drive and files will be encrypted. Long-term confidentiality will be maintained through encryption of data files and secure storage. The recordings will be held for no less than three years and destroyed after transcription of the data.

How long will the data be kept in the protected space?

The data will be kept in a protected space for 3 years.

Who will have access to the protected data?

I will have access to all of your data and information. In addition, my dissertation chair, committee members, and all College of Doctoral Studies Reviewers may view your information and your answers as part of the dissertation review process.

What is the privacy policy for survey platforms (Survey Monkey, Qualtrics, mTurks, Google,etc), any recording software (Zoom, Microsoft Teams, etc.), interview software, surveysoftware, or transcription software companies?

https://explore.zoom.us/en/privacy/

https://www.jotform.com/privacy/

https://policies.google.com/privacy?hl=en-US

Where and how will the signed informed consent forms be secured?

The signed consent forms will be stored separately from the data password-protected file. The computer in which the files will be stored will be password protected and the researcher and those authorized by GCU will be the only ones with access.

Future Research

Once identifiers (name, address, etc.) are removed from the data collected for this study, the de-identified information could be used for future research studies or distributed to other investigators for future research studies without additional informed consent from you or your legally authorized representative.

Study Contacts

Any questions you have concerning the research study or your participation in the study, before or after your consent, will be answered by Katie Alexander, Kalexander41@my.gcu.edu, 832-527-2170.

Voluntary Consent

Participant Rights

You have been given an opportunity to read and discuss the informed consent and ask questions about this study.
You have been given enough time to consider whether or not you want to participate.
You have read and understand the terms and conditions and agree to take part in this research study.
You understand your participation is voluntary and that you may stop participation at any time without penalty.

Your signature means that you understand your rights listed above and agree to participate in this study. (Use your finger to draw your signature)*

Signature of Participant or Legally Authorized Representative

Date*

Date