Project Description
After spending many years conducting research on Public Trust in Police, I was invited in February 2023 to serve as an expert advisor to the UK Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology (POST) for a Report they were preparing on ‘Trust in Police’ for the UK Parliament. I was interviewed about my own research, and served as a peer reviewer of the draft report prepared by POST. My research was featured heavily in the final report.
Project Personnel and Beneficiaries
The UK Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology provides advice to the UK Parliament on issues of national importance. UK police have seen a significant decline in public trust in police in recent years. Declining trust in police has consequences for how effectively the police can prevent or deal with crime and social disorder. By identifying ways to improve trust in police, this report makes recommendations for how Parliament might be able to reform the way police in the UK conduct their business to protect against further declines in public trust.
Outcomes to Date
While I have been conducting research on Public Trust in Police for about 20 years, this specific collaboration with the UK Parliamentary Office for Science and Technology (POST) produced a short report for members of the UK Parliament to consider when making decisions about policing reform in the UK.
Project Significance
This project is aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions). This Goal aims to promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels. By improving public trust in police, it is hoped that police agencies can foster citizens’ willingness to engage collaboratively with police in crime prevention. To date, research shows that decreased trust in police negatively impacts people’s willingness to cooperate with police or to report crime; this is particularly so for victims of violent crime and for minority communities. Hence, by drawing on evidence-based research that identifies how police can best promote trust, this report aims to promote a more effective and accountable policing organisation that can provide access to justice and safety for all.