importance of maintaining a positive attitude of the citizens towards the police
There has been increased emphasis on the importance of maintaining a positive attitude of the citizens towards the police. Sindall & Bullock (2014) state that it is vital because it will ensure better fighting of crime and maintaining safer societies. The hypothesis is, if the attitude of citizens towards police is positive, then their confidence in them will increase. As a result, they will be able to report more cases or any unlawful acts that may be happening in their society.
There is a strong relationship between the attitudes that citizens have towards the law enforcers and their corresponding effect on confidence that ensures that they can work together with the police. The probability of reporting a crime that has been committed in society majorly depends on the attitudes of the citizens towards the police. If they have a negative attitude, they will have less confidence in the police, and as a result, they will shy away from them. The situation might not get the attention of the police at that time. If they have a positive attitude towards the police and their capabilities to fight crime, they will report to them because they have an already existing stable relationship that leads to building up of confidence between both parties. The citizens will then be free and more willing to report any crime cases.
Goudriaan and Karin (2006), investigated the effects of social cohesion, and confidence in police effectiveness in ensuring better reporting of crime, and enhancement of security. They found out that one among the major and critical issues that would increase the confidence of people in the police is more social activities with them that will ensure interactions among those parties.
Based on the previous researches, the hypothesis seems to be strong enough, and the variables involved are measurable in establishing the relationship between the attitude of citizens towards the police and their corresponding confidence levels in them.