How the Public See the Police: An Australian Survey, I

• NCJ Number: 112072
• Author(s): B Swanton; P Wilson; J Walker; S Murkherjee
• Editor(s): P Wilson
• Date Published: 1988
• Length: 6 pages
• Corporate Author: Australian Institute of Criminology
• Sale Source: Australian Institute of Criminology
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: English
• Country: Australia
• Note: Trends and Issues in Crime and Criminal Justice, No. 11

Annotation

In 1987, a survey of public attitudes toward police and police services was conducted of 2,745 persons, aged 14 and above, in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South and Western Australia, and Tasmania.

Abstract

Results indicated that the police departments of South and Western Australia and Victoria were accorded the greatest respect, while respondents in other jurisdictions reported mixed feelings. Respect was greater among females and older respondents. Respondents were more satisfied than dissatisfied with police efforts in dealing with muggings, street crimes, and burglary, but were more dissatisfied than satisfied with how police dealt with organized crime. In all States, respondents felt police were about as honest as most people. While a majority of respondents in all States perceived police as polite and helpful, highest ratings were given to South and Western Australia and Tasmania police. A majority of respondents had been stopped/questioned by police, particularly males and younger respondents. A majority of respondents had never asked for police assistance. The most frequent demand for police services were in relation to burglaries, motor vehicle and other accidents, robberies/muggings, and thefts. Greatest satisfaction with help was shown in Western Australia, least in Queensland. Police inaction was the most frequently cited reason for dissatisfaction with police assistance. 3 notes.