The Intent to Use of Force in Taiwan: The Role of Qing and Fa

• In Event: Policing Global Issues: Dimensions and Challenges

Abstract

Use of force is a prominent issue in policing research in the United States but is exceptionally rare in most Asian countries, including Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea, where police officers are armed while on duty. Chinese policing reflects a struggle between emphasizing human relationships (Qing) as the primary norm of conduct and then the principle of law enforcement (Fa). This paper attempts to examine the significance of Qing and Fa orientation in relation to police officers' intentions to use force in Taiwan. Additionally, the study explores whether Qing exerts a greater influence than Fa on officers' intentions regarding the use of force. The research utilizes original data collected by the author from three police agencies in Taiwan's largest cities. The questionnaire comprised a set of questions about officer characteristics and a set of vignettes measuring various officer intentions regarding the use of force and their perceptions of legal liability. A total of 625 paper questionnaires were distributed between June 16th and July 11th, 2023. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) will be employed to analyze the relationships among independent, dependent, and control variables. This study provides a novel perspective on the factors influencing police officers' intentions to use force.

Authors

• ChiaHung Lin, Sam Houston State University

• Jihong Zhao, Sam Houston State University