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Research Paper | Political Science | Maldives | Volume 12 Issue 10, October 2023 | Popularity: 7.3 / 10

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Public Expectations and Perception towards Police and the Policing Challenges in Republic of Maldives

Dr. Ibrahim Hussain Didi

Abstract: Purpose: This study aims to analyze the factors influencing public expectations and perceptions of the police, as well as the challenges faced by law enforcement in the Maldives, including both internal and external factors. Specifically, it examines the changing public perception and trust in the police force, which has been marred by human rights violations committed by police officers across the country. Design/ Methodology/ Approach: The research employed a mixed-method approach, gathering data through questionnaires and interviews. Qualitative and quantitative research methodologies were utilized, with an initial focus on investigating the direct internal and external influences leading to stress, tension, and emotional pressure experienced by police officers in their line of duty. These pressures can result in unlawful activities by police officers, impacting their attitudes, ethical behavior, stress levels, family dynamics, political pressures, media portrayals, and police socialization. Furthermore, the study examines external challenges and influences by employing stratified proportionate random sampling to include residents from all cities and some atolls, NGOs, government agencies, and the general public. Quantitative data was analyzed using the statistical package SPSS, involving the analysis of both independent and dependent variables. Demographic variables and levels of attachment, as measured by the ECR-S, constituted the independent variables. Findings: The study identifies political influences, family pressures, and cultural factors as internal and external challenges within the Maldives Police Service. These challenges encompass issues such as police corruption, the misuse of police authority for personal gain (including bribery, drug-related activities, and abuse of power), and the deliberate omission of pertinent information. Direct influences, including misconduct and predatory policing, originate from various sources, including criminals, politicians, the media, and even within police officers' own families. Practical implications: The empirical findings shed light on the impact of policing service quality on public satisfaction with the Maldives Police Service. This research provides valuable insights for policymakers within the Maldives Police Service, lawmakers, and professionals seeking to enhance policing quality and gain public trust and satisfaction as essential service values. Additionally, academics can use this study to supplement existing literature evaluations with new knowledge and empirical evidence. Originality / Value: This study contributes to a deeper understanding of the effects of internal and external influences on professional policing services, as identified in contemporary literature addressing policing service quality and public expectations and perceptions of law enforcement. Furthermore, this research assesses how internal and external influences affect the service quality and satisfaction experienced by Maldivian police officers.

Keywords: Public expectation, Perception, Policing challenges, internal, external influence, Safety

Edition: Volume 12 Issue 10, October 2023

Pages: 329 - 353

DOI: https://www.doi.org/10.21275/SR231003150941

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