Perceptions of police legitimacy in the context of truancy: Results from a randomized field trial

• In Event: Perceptions of Police: International Perspectives

Abstract

Police legitimacy is a central theme in criminology. In this paper, we present results from the ABILITY trial that examines perceptions of police legitimacy in the context of a randomized field trial examining a Third Party Policing (TPP) intervention. The trial aimed at reducing anti-social behavior and improving outcomes for at-risk youths. Within the ABILITY Trial, the police partner with a third party (Department of Education and Training), making use of school-based legal levers and Family Group Conferences (incorporating elements of procedural justice and restorative processes). The Trial includes 102 students identified as having issues with school attendance (aged between 10-16 years), who were randomly allocated to a control (business-as-usual) or an experimental condition where the police TPP intervention is utilized.

Authors

• Emma Antrobus, University of Queensland

• Sarah Beth Bennett, University of Queensland

• Lorraine Mazerolle, University of Queensland

• Emina Prguda, University of Queensland