Relations Between the Police and the Public (From Quarantieme anniversaire: Mardi 28 octobre 1986, P 175-184, 1986)

• NCJ Number: 141022
• Author(s): G Kellens; Lemaitre A; A Cornet; M Zimmermann
• Date Published: 1986
• Length: 10 pages
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: French
• Country: Belgium
• Note: Reprinted from Archives Belges de Medecine Sociale, Hygiene, Medecine du Travail et Medecine Legale, V 44 (1987), P 175-184

Annotation

This empirical study examines community/police relations in a large Belgian industrial city and in a small, rural Belgian town.

Abstract

The information was gathered in direct field observation and through a questionnaire given to 230 inhabitants of the two communities. Though the detailed analysis of the findings has not been completed, the following trends already emerge. First, both communities had a relatively positive impression of the police and described officers as attentive, helpful, and human; however, many interviewees were unhappy that they knew so little about the police force. The public also expressed satisfaction concerning their special community officer as link between them and the authorities. Nevertheless, they wanted the officer to have fewer administrative tasks and more skills in communicating and adjusting to the community. Lastly, they spoke positively of their day-to-day police interactions, whether they were administrative, traffic related, or crime related. Suggested improvements included more selective police recruitment, better police training, greater police visibility, and improved cooperation between the different police services. 9 references