Summary Of Public Confidence In Police

The article, “Public Confidence in Police Competency to Combat Crime”, by the

Canadian Center of Science and Education is informative and prudent. The article describes how the behaviour of the police force disassociates the positive perception of the force and how it can have a detrimental effect on the public’s perception of how they view the police. Public confidence in police will not be sustained unless the public changes their perception of the police because it causes fear, trust misconceptions, and denies cooperation.

Fear has played a significant role on the publics perception of the police. A research study was conducted of 407 random members of the public who live on both East and West states of Peninsula Malaysia. In order to

Actions like these have significant consequences, the public no longer has a positive perception of the police. Trust is not something easily acquired, trust is fragile, it may be impossible to regain if lost. The article also describes police are forced into actions such as these because of pressure to meet expectations The writer provided examples and evidence to support his claim about how the public’s perception of the police can negatively impact the police carrying out their duties. The public needs to receive accurate information about their community to ensure the police have not camouflaged any information that could result in unfavourable outcomes which could include walking the streets at night, allowing your children to play at certain parks or playgrounds, and staying away from areas that attract higher crime rates. The information provided demonstrates public trust is eminent into determining the publics perception of the

The public has shown disapproval towards sentences laid out by the courts. “63% of the members interviewed felt the courts should have laid out lengthier sentences”, (CCSE, 2013). Prosecution should have been diligent on appealing sentences and the police should have done a better job with evidence gathering to ensure the appropriate sentencing. The unsatisfactory results imposed by the courts significantly impacts the public’s perception of the police because it correlates with the efforts carried out by the police. Are the police over looking aspects of crimes to expeditiously land a sentence? The public views this as the police looking out for their interest to ensure crime rates are minimized and not appropriately carrying out their duties. “It is essential that the public should have a positive perception of the police force so that the force may be able to count on public cooperation”, (CCSE,