NCJ Number
225716
Journal
Policing: An International Journal of Police Strategies & Management Volume: 31 Issue: 4 Dated: 2008 Pages: 610-630
Date Published
2008
Length
21 pages
Annotation
The purpose of this study was to assess empirically Chinese immigrants’ perceptions of the police in Toronto, Canada.
Abstract
Study findings found about one-third of the respondents expressed great respect for the police. More than half of the respondents claimed police in the city were effective in dealing with crime. Only 20 percent indicated that the problem of police prejudice against Asians was serious or very serious. In addition, the study showed that individuals who had previous contact with police rated police less favorably than those who had no contact with police in the past. In general, people who rated police as helpful when they called police for assistance expressed a higher degree of respect for police. Chinese have become the largest group of immigrants into Canada in recent years. Most of the recent Chinese immigrants (about 40 percent) have chosen to settle in Toronto, Ontario). The dramatic demographic changes pose a challenge to law enforcement. Different historical background and cultures raise difficulties with regard to effectively surveying Chinese perceptions of law enforcement. Using a survey format, this study examined Chinese immigrants’ perceptions of the police in Toronto, Canada. Promising directions for future research and policy implications are discussed. Tables and references