Confidence and Trust in Police: How Sexual Identity Difference Shapes Perceptions of Police

Abstract

Previous research indicates that the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (‘LGBTI’) community and the heterosexual community vary in their perceptions of police. This study examines variations in the levels of perceptions of police in both communities, and determines whether or not an individual's sexual identity helps to shape perceptions of police legitimacy and levels of trust in the police. Using a face-to-face survey, data were collected from 365 participants. The results show that respondents who identified themselves as LGBTI report more negative opinions than heterosexual participants regarding: police trust and police legitimacy; procedural justice; treatment quality from police; and respect from police. The research reported in this article indicates that sexual identity does impact on perceptions of policing, and can help to determine whether LGBTI people perceive the police to be legitimate. The findings have implications for theories of trust, and also build upon previous literature examining perceptions of police legitimacy.

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