Creating an Image of the Police on the Example of the Lębork District

Abstract

Maintaining a positive image is the responsibility of many institutions, as it brings immeasurable benefits, the most important one being public trust. This is why, shaping of the reputation requires multidimensional ventures on different levels of activity. Measures undertaken by the police to build their positive image are therefore an extremely important element of their functioning. For that reason, the research problem was stated in one question: What factors influence the positive image of the Police in Lębork? The aim of the study was not only to present theoretical issues concerning the formation of the image of the police, but above all to articulate factors that have a significant impact on its positive formation. The study used theoretical and empirical research methods, i.e. analysis of literature, analysis of activities undertaken by the District Police Headquarters in Lębork and inference as a cognitive factor of the subject under analysis. The results of the research indicate that the positive image of the police is determined by such factors as: commitment, personal culture and interpersonal skills of the police officers. At the same time, it can be concluded that the positive image is a derivative of the effectiveness of their ability to ensure public safety. The perception of the police by the citizens depends mainly on the predisposition and professional preparation of officers to perform their duties, therefore one could conclude that the recruitment to the formation should be carried out with the application of rigorous recruitment and selection methods. The positive image of the police will also be strengthened as the sense of security among the society increases.