“Should I call the police?” Exploring public views on when to call the police in incidents involving people with vulnerabilities

• In Event: Vulnerability, Policing and the Limits of a Public Health Approach

Abstract

Adopting a novel approach to public deliberation, this study explores people’s thresholds for calling the police, views on how the police should respond to incidents involving vulnerabilities, and whether the police or other services are most appropriate to respond in such situations. Through focus groups, members of the public were presented with various scenarios invoking vulnerability via depictions of disorderly behaviour and potentially harmful activity. Findings show that people want and expect police to respond rapidly in situations where vulnerable people are identified as presenting immediate risk, while also recognise that follow up intervention from specialised services is necessary. When deciding to call the police, people think about the situational contingencies and available means by which the incident might be brought under control, rather than their opinions of the police. Lack of trust is often superseded by concerns for safety, with police serving as preeminent symbols of protection. Findings are discussed in the context of renewed Government emphasis on neighbourhood policing and public expectations for minimum standards.

Authors

• David Rowlands, University of Leeds

• Ben Bradford, University College London

• Adam Crawford, University of York

• Christine A Weirich, University of Leeds