Community Perceptions of Victoria Police: Implications for Legitimacy, Satisfaction and Cooperation

This PhD study was based around the idea that positive police/community relations can lead to greater public compliance and cooperation with law enforcement. Community representatives in the Monash Local Government Area in Melbourne were asked their views about Victoria Police and the factors that influenced both positive and negative opinions. This research found that structural and demographic change in Monash, perceptions about the legitimacy of the police and levels of trust in Victoria Police were the three key areas that shaped these views. To improve police/community relations, the data suggested concentrating on interventions in these three areas.