Youth’s attitudes and perceptions of the Malta police force

Abstract

The identification and analysis of youth’s attitudes and perceptions towards law enforcement are crucial as depending upon young people’s satisfaction level, the relationship between both parties will be affected. By having a dilute relationship, young people’s collaboration towards legitimacy will diminish, and the police are more prone to become subjected to violence (Gleeson, 2018). The primary aim of this dissertation is to examine young people’s attitudes towards the Malta Police Force. It also delves into the factors that form and influence these perceptions and other external aspects that have a significant role. The study is based upon a quantitative research approach using questionnaires as the main tool. In an attempt to reach as many young people as possible and as a means of ensuring a representative sample, these questionnaires were distributed among different entities and to both local and foreign nationals residing in Malta. Main findings from the study present that the respondents expressed overall positive satisfaction levels towards the Malta Police Force; however, this result is slightly higher above the average. Furthermore, it can be said that the main factors that contribute to the formation and shaping of attitudes and perceptions towards the police were gender, employment, media, contact with the police and victimisation. Such an outcome is essential to augment existing research and to aid in developing and enhancing upcoming police strategies and policies.