Democratic policing: a conceptual framework

Abstract

Democratic policing, as opposed to regime policing, must meet at least three requirements: there is democratic accountability of and for the police; the police adhere to the rule of law; and the police behave in a manner that is procedurally fair in service of the public. The article presents a conceptual framework of nine dimensions applicable to different contexts with a view to facilitate policies and practices towards democratic policing. It is argued that the ultimate result being sought is a legitimate police service. If legitimacy is the result, then trust is the outcome preceding it. Legitimacy is dependent on the public's trust that State power will be used in the public interest. Public trust therefore fulfils an important legitimising function. Levels of trust in the police are driven by the police's ability and performance record with reference to three outputs : objectivity, empathy and responsivity. The latter three outputs flow from five input variables, namely: knowledge of what works in creating a safer society from a policing perspective; rights-based policing; accountability of the policing (inclusive of transparency); efficiency and effectiveness of resource utilisation; and the police as citizens also entitled to rights and protections. The utility of the conceptual framework lies in providing a coherent and linked-up view to analyse police organisations and support the development of reform proposals. Keywords: Democratic policing; regime policing; public trust; legitimacy; human rights; police reform; professional policing.

Revisiting Philosophical Dichotomies in South Africa's Post-Colonial Policing Foundational Structures: A Retrospective Analysis

“…Central to this endeavour was a reevaluation of the role of law enforcement, with an emphasis on cultivating a policing model that was more community-centric and accountable. In recent times, there has been a burgeoning recognition of the significance of integrating indigenous wisdom and traditions into the contemporary policing apparatus, democratic policing (Muntingh, Faull, Redpath, & Petersen, 2021). Consequently, endeavours have been undertaken to infuse elements of indigenous justice systems, such as principles of restorative justice and community participation, into police training and operational protocols.…”

Penguatan Pemolisian Demokratis dalam Perspektif Pendidikan Kewarganegaraan: Sebuah Analisis Konseptual

“…Sejalan dengan pandangan Lukas Muntingh et.al yang menyebutkan bahwa salah satu dimensi dari pemolisian demokratis ialah "police as citizens". 28 Dengan demikian, pada aspek inilah terdapat korelasi antara pendidikan kewarganegaraan dengan pemolisian demokratis yakni agar mampu membentuk polisi sebagai warga negara yang baik dan bertanggung jawab serta selaras dengan budaya kewargaan.…”

“…44 Melalui pendidikan kewarganegaraan ini diharapkan dapat memperkuat salah satu dimensi dari pemolisian demokratis yakni dalam istilah Lukas Muntingh et.al sebagai policing based on knowledge. 45 Akan tetapi, penelitian ini tidak hanya mencakup aspek pengetahuan semata, melainkan juga aspek keterampilan, sikap, dan nilai-nilai yang mampu memperkuat upaya pemolisian demokratis dalam perspektif pendidikan kewarganegaraan (policing based on knowledge, skill, attitude, and values).…”

A systematic review and meta-analysis of procedural justice and legitimacy in policing: the effect of social identity and social contexts

“…Procedural justice could be outweighed by security concerns in less developed countries. Moreover, since procedural justice is a critical element in models of democratic policing (Muntingh et al, 2021) and procedural justice perceptions are thought to be influenced by legal socialisation (Trinkner & Tyler, 2016), people from countries with different levels of democracy might have different 'baseline' or underlying perceptions of police procedural justice and legitimacy (and indeed of the relationship between the two).…”