Determinants of police officers' support for the public-private partnerships (PPPs) in policing cyberspace

Abstract

PurposeThis exploratory research examined law enforcement officers' attitudes toward the public-private partnerships (PPPs) in policing cyberspace. Particularly, by investigating the predictors of police officers' support for the PPPs, the authors aimed to offer practical implications for maintaining order and responding to illegal activities in the virtual environment.Design/methodology/approachA convenience sample of South Korean police officers was surveyed using a paper-and-pencil questionnaire.FindingsThe findings showed that officer perceptions of the seriousness and the frequency of property cybercrimes, computer proficiency and awareness of a lack of training were positively associated with the support for the PPPs. In addition, years of experience was negatively related to the support for the PPPs.Originality/valueLaw enforcement officers' perceptions toward public-private cooperation in combatting cybercrime have never been examined. This research fills the gap by exploring the predictors of officer support for cross-sectoral partnerships within the framework of nodal governance security in the cultural context of South Korea.