The Impact of Technology on Procedural Justice: A Qualitative Inquiry Among Police Officers

• In Event: Procedural Justice, Media, and Technology in Chinese Policing (Sponsored by Division of Policing)

Abstract

The existing literature extensively delves into procedural justice in police-youth interactions, yet it notably neglects the impact of technology and social media on these dynamics. Guided by Tyler’s theoretical framework, this study illuminates how the utilization of technology and social media by both police and youth influences the delivery and perceptions of crucial elements such as fairness, voice, respect, and accountability throughout various stages of police-youth encounters—from stop-and-search to arrest and to interrogation. To operationalize this inquiry, individual interviews were conducted with 43 police officers, including 34 males and 9 females, representing diverse units within the police service. Employing a deductive thematic approach, we meticulously analyzed the qualitative data gathered from the respondents, capitalizing on the advanced functionalities of QRS NVivo Plus (V12) software. The findings underscore the imperative need to foster a just and equitable environment for both young people and police officers within the evolving landscape of the digital age. As society grapples with the challenges posed by technological advancements, understanding their impact on police-youth interactions becomes a pivotal consideration for formulating informed and effective policies.

Authors

• Jessica Chi Mei Li, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

• Albert Ho, Barrister-at-law