NCJ Number
122507
Journal
Indian Journal of Criminology Volume: 17 Issue: 1 Dated: (January 1989) Pages: 42-52
Date Published
1989
Length
11 pages
Annotation
Educated citizens and police personnel in India completed questionnaires designed to determine their attitudes and perceptions regarding the crime problem and the police effectiveness in terms of prevention, immediate response, investigations, and disposals.
Abstract
The participants included 270 randomly selected university students, teachers, professionals and others in Madras and 268 police personnel, including both line officers and supervisors. The questions gathered information on the expectations of the public, the perceptions of the police, and ways to improve the relationship between the police and the public. The data were analyzed using a variety of statistical measures. Findings indicated that those who had interacted with the police and received satisfactory treatment had better attitudes toward the police than those who had had no contact with the police and those who had bad interactions. In addition, women and young people had slightly better attitudes toward the police than others, although their expectations were lower. Results also indicated that the low level of police performance may result from a shortage of personnel, inappropriate training, and a lack of adequate facilities. Findings also indicated that strict and impartial enforcement, better training, considerate treatment of the public, and other measures would improve police-community relations. Tables and 31 references.