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Exploring Citizens Perception of the Police Role and Function in a Post-Colonial Nation

Author

Listed:
  • Michael Mathura

    (School of Justice Studies, Liverpool Centre for Advanced Policing Studies, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool L3 5UZ, UK)

Abstract

Before attempting to develop productive and harmonious working relationships between citizens and the police in a post-colonial society such as Trinidad and Tobago (T&T), it is imperative to initially gain a more precise understanding of the role and function of the police. This qualitative study suggested that the current role and function of officers is parallel to the colonial model of policing, where officers operated in a paramilitary manner. This model of policing was concerned with law enforcement and public order duties, which was highlighted as counterproductive for police and public relations. The model was also popular for police treatment based on citizens socioeconomic status. The results of this study suggest that police officers should implement a Service Oriented Policing approach (SOP), which could allow police officers to become proactively involved with communities and citizens, build stronger and increasingly productive relationships and be more effective and efficient as an institution.

Suggested Citation

  • Michael Mathura, 2022. "Exploring Citizens Perception of the Police Role and Function in a Post-Colonial Nation," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 11(10), pages 1-15, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jscscx:v:11:y:2022:i:10:p:465-:d:938236
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Ana Isabel Sani & Vanessa Azevedo & Daniela Paulo & Mariana Magalhães & Laura M. Nunes, 2022. "Satisfaction with the Police: Perceptions and Related Variables from an Urban Community Sample," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 11(2), pages 1-14, February.
    2. Bolger, Michelle A. & Lytle, Daniel J. & Bolger, P. Colin, 2021. "What matters in citizen satisfaction with police: A meta-analysis," Journal of Criminal Justice, Elsevier, vol. 72(C).
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    1. Ana Isabel Sani & Vanessa Azevedo & Daniela Paulo & Mariana Magalhães & Laura M. Nunes, 2022. "Satisfaction with the Police: Perceptions and Related Variables from an Urban Community Sample," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 11(2), pages 1-14, February.
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