Exploring Citizen’s Satisfaction with the Police in Developing Society

Abstract

To develop a harmonious and productive relationship between citizens and the police in Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) it is important to first understand the impact of procedural justice and satisfaction with the police which was the aim of this study. A quantitative research methodology was used with an online survey of eight multiple-choice questions with responses aligned to a Likert scale. The results showed that 47.5% of participants were not satisfied with the police service, and only 10% felt very satisfied. The results indicated that officer did not use the correct procedures, disrespectful, undignified, unfair, lack transparency and inconsistent. The results highlighted the need for practice and policy changes in the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service especially during a contact with citizens. It was suggested that there was the need for continuous professional development (CPD) towards improving officer's skills, knowledge, and behaviour (KSB) which could enhance officers and citizens relations. Key Words: Satisfaction; Policing; Citizens; Trinidad and Tobago; Post-Colonial.