Dr. Shaphan Roberts Defends Innovative Doctoral Dissertation on Civil Unrest, Community Trust, and Policing
Shaphan Roberts, an accomplished leader in conflict resolution and adjunct professor at Pepperdine University's renowned Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution, has reached a major academic milestone with the successful defense of his doctoral dissertation. His cutting-edge research, titled The Aftermath of Civil Unrest: Insights into Community Trust, Hope, and Perceptions of Police, provides a pioneering exploration of the effects of large-scale civil unrest on community hope, trust, and perceptions of law enforcement. Utilizing content analysis, Roberts unveils the patterns and narratives that shape these crucial relationships over time, offering profound insights into the challenges and opportunities for rebuilding community trust in the wake of civil unrest.
Roberts, currently serving as senior director for strategic initiatives and global expansion at the Straus Institute, is widely recognized for his transformative contributions to the field of dispute resolution. He has consistently demonstrated a visionary approach to conflict management, particularly in fostering collaboration between historically divided groups—most notably, law enforcement and the communities they serve. Drawing on his experience as the former director of the Los Angeles City Attorney's Dispute Resolution Program, Roberts has played a pivotal role in reshaping how communities and law enforcement interact, develop trust, and resolve conflicts.
His leadership in the "Beyond the Dialogue" initiative underscores his deep commitment to bridging divides between police officers and local residents. This initiative provides law enforcement and community members with transformative mediation and de-escalation training, creating a lasting framework for trust-building and meaningful, sustainable dialogue. Roberts' innovative approach in blending skills-based training with direct, honest conversation is widely regarded as a model for conflict resolution in polarized communities.
Dr. Roberts earned his doctorate in Business Psychology from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology, further solidifying his expertise at the intersection of human behavior, leadership, and conflict resolution. His dissertation marks not just an academic achievement, but a testament to his dedication to advancing scholarship in bridge-building, community engagement, and conflict resolution at Pepperdine University and beyond.
With his combination of academic rigor, practical experience, and leadership, Roberts continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in creating resilient, trust-based community relationships in even the most challenging environments.