NCJ Number
240413
Journal
International Journal of Comparative and Applied Criminal Justice Volume: 36 Issue: 3 Dated: August 2012 Pages: 189-210
Date Published
August 2012
Length
22 pages
Annotation
This paper discusses public trust of police in China and Taiwan.
Abstract
Public trust has become a critical issue in transitional societies, such as China and Taiwan, where the legitimacy and accountability of the government in general, and legal authorities in particular, have been frequently scrutinized. Based on nationwide random samples, this study tests the explanatory power of three theories, the social structural thesis, the institutional performance thesis, and the cultural thesis, in accounting for public trust in police in China and Taiwan. Results show that Chinese citizens have higher levels of trust in police than do Taiwanese. The higher level of Chinese trust, to a large extent, derives from greater confidence in macroeconomic conditions and satisfaction with government responsiveness. The performance thesis, thus, receives the strongest support. Results also show some support for the cultural perspective that traditional values, such as interpersonal trust, promote trust in police in both societies. Policy implications are provided for enhancing police legitimacy and facilitating police reform in China and Taiwan. Abstract published by arrangement with Taylor and Francis.