Perceived Procedural Justice during Protests: Effects on Individual Public Perceptions of Police

• In Event: Poster Session 2

Abstract

This study explored the relationship between the perception of procedural justice during protests and its influence on individuals' perceptions of trust, satisfaction, and confidence in the police. The study also examined the impact of control variables such as prior contact with the police and participation in protests. The data for this study was obtained from a national survey conducted in Taiwan in 2022, with a respondent sample size (N = 2,151). Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to analyze the data and test the proposed hypotheses. The results demonstrated a significant positive relationship between the perception of procedural justice during protests and all three individual perceptions of trust, satisfaction, and confidence in the police. The control variables of prior contact with the police and protest participation also showed significant effects on public perceptions. The findings highlight the importance of procedural justice in shaping public perceptions of the police and suggest the need for strategies that foster positive relationships between law enforcement agencies and the public they serve.

Authors

• John Galloway, Tarleton State University

• David Dickie, Tarleton State University

• Shun-Yung Kevin Wang, Texas A&M University / Tarleton State University