Community Policing in Devon and Cornwall - some Research Findings on the Relationship Between the Public and the Police (From Future of Policing, P 82-103, 1983, Trevor Bennett, ed. - See NCJ-94282)

• NCJ Number: 94286
• Author(s): S Jones
• Date Published: 1983
• Length: 22 pages
• Sale Source: University of Cambridge
• Language: English
• Country: United Kingdom

Annotation

Surveys to determine public attitudes toward the police and police self image in Devon and Cornwall as well as Greater Manchester (England) found that the public and the police have differing concepts regarding what constitutes effective policing.

Abstract

A total of 960 interviews were conducted with citizens from March to July 1981. Of these interviews, 652 (representing a response rate of 73 percent) were conducted in three locations in Devon and Cornwall. The remaining 308 interviews were conducted in Greater Manchester (a response rate of 65.8 percent). In addition, a total of 365 interviews were conducted with a representative sample of police officers of all ranks. Of these, 161 were conducted in Devon and Cornwall and 211 in Greater Manchester. Citizens were found to judge the police according to the quality of their interactions with the public. The emphasis is on skill and courtesy in managing the relationship. The police, on the other hand, judge their performance by professional standards of technical efficiency, believing that technical efficiency will enhance public esteem. Unless and until the police become more aware that public judgments of their role are based on the interpersonal skills of the officers, they risk losing public approval. References are provided.