Can we Train the Police to be Procedurally Just?: Results from the Scottish Police and Citizen Engagement (S.P.A.C.E.) Trial

• In Event: Police and Procedural Justice

Abstract

Existing research suggests that incorporating procedural justice principles into police training programmes can have a positive effect on police perceptions of, attitudes towards, and behaviours in relation to public engagement. The Scottish Police and Citizen Engagement (S.P.A.C.E) trial tested the impact of delivering specifically designed procedural justice training - based on such principles as fairness, impartiality, respect, trust and confidence - to probationer police officers during their mandatory initial training at the Scottish Police College. Using a quasi-experimental design, procedural justice training was developed and delivered to a treatment group whilst a control group received training 'as usual'. This paper will present the key findings from the project based on an analysis of measures that indicate the extent to which officers in each group demonstrate the capacity and willingness to deliver procedurally-just policing. Ultimately the paper will reflect upon whether specific and targeted training makes a difference, and if so, how this might best be incorporated into police training going forward.

Authors

• Lesley McMillan, Glasgow Caledonian University

• Annette Robertson, Glasgow Caledonian University, Scotland