The Role of Language in Policing: Sociological Perspectives on Law Enforcement

In Ghana’s multilingual society, ineffective communication between police officers and civilians remains an under-recognized barrier to justice and public trust. Misunderstandings caused by language mismatches can escalate tensions, hinder investigations, and erode confidence in law enforcement. Despite the critical role of language in shaping police-civilian interactions and perceptions of procedural justice, limited research in Ghana has explored how linguistic dynamics influence policing outcomes. This study addresses this gap by investigating how police officers in Ghana use language as a tool for authority, control, and community engagement, and how language barriers affect procedural justice. Adopting a qualitative, interpretivist approach and a multiple-case study design, semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight purposively selected police officers from Accra, Kumasi, and Takoradi. Data were analyzed thematically using Creswell and Poth’s (2018) spiral model. Findings reveal that language significantly impacts policing functions, especially in report writing, public interaction, and asserting authority. Language barriers often lead to misunderstandings and conflict, while reliance on interpreters, though helpful, can introduce bias. Conversely, communication in shared languages fosters trust and cooperation. The study underscores the need for culturally sensitive communication strategies and language training within the Ghana Police Service. It recommends institutional reforms that prioritize multilingual competencies and context-specific communication protocols to enhance police legitimacy and community trust. Clinical Trial Number Not applicable.