Citizen satisfaction with the police and college-based informal social controls: An unexpected finding

Abstract

PurposeLaw enforcement enforcers depend heavily upon favorable citizen satisfaction with the police in order to effectively perform their job. While numerous studies have researched antecedents to public satisfaction with the police, to date, few have examined whether variation in this outcome is the result of college-based informal social controls. MethodsQuestionnaire data were collected in digital format from a convenience sample of college students (N = 1480) enrolled in a mid-size university located in the southeastern United States. ResultsA series of linear regression equations found how attachment and involvement positively predicted citizen satisfaction. Unexpectedly though, and contrary to original hypotheses, both beliefs and commitment shared negative correlations with our outcome of interest. ConclusionsTo ease tensions between the police and young adult community, police officers are encouraged to engage in community outreach programs with this population.