Safety Measures
Research project delves into growing anti-government movement
Dr. Sarah Harper, assistant professor of criminology, has launched a Department of Homeland Security-funded research project that explores frontline interactions with “sovereign citizens,” individuals who believe the government has no authority or jurisdiction over them, and anti-government extremists. Across the country, there’s a growing number of instances in which people are challenging the authority and legitimacy of government officials and laws. This has led to an increasing number of confrontational interactions with police and other public officials. The research, which includes reviewing court transcripts and interviewing officers and judges, aims to equip first responders and other officials with effective strategies for identifying and mitigating threats.