Procedural Justice Moderates the Effect of Low Self-Control on Cooperation with Police

• In Event: Procedural Justice and Police Legitimacy

Abstract

Purpose of the Study. Research has demonstrated empirical evidence supporting the relationship between low self-control and crime. What remains largely underexplored, however, is the impact of self-control on people’s attitudes, beliefs, and perceptions toward social institutions such as the police. The current study examines the effect of low self-control on citizens’ willingness to cooperate with police and tests whether people’s perceptions of procedural justice condition this relationship. Most importantly, the focus of the current study was testing whether the moderation effect varies by different types (global and situational) of procedural justice. Design of the Study. Using a national convenience sample of 2,296 adults in the United States obtained through Qualtrics Labs, Inc.’s panels of participants, a negative relationship between low self-control and cooperation with police was found. Major Findings. The key findings were that the effect of low self-control on cooperation with police was moderated by procedural justice. However, only situational procedural justice had the moderating effect. Conclusions. The results suggest the importance of police acting in a procedurally fair manner when interacting with people with low self-control. Officer’s fair treatment will motivate these people’s willingness to cooperate with police.

Authors

• Yongjae Nam, Michigan State University

• Scott Wolfe, Michigan State University

• Kyle McLean, Clemson University