Summary
Few studies have explored the goals and means of recent protests that are calling attention to police use of force in marginalized communities. This research explores activist ideology, social media practices in organizing protests, and perceived community relations with law enforcement. Resource mobilization theory is applied to the current protest activities against police misconduct to describe the use of social media as a means to create social protest and reform. Internet-enhanced activism is analyzed to explain changes in the traditional responsibilities and contributions of activists, and to describe the negative impact the social media have on activism. In addition, moral panic is used as a theoretical framework to explain police-community relations. Discussion of the policy implications identifies the needfor alternate ways of policing and review of activists’ rights in protest activities.