Exploring Factors of Support for Red Light Cameras and Perceived Officer Quality

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to explore the role of individual, geographic, and police service variables in predicting 1) residents’ support of red light cameras and 2) residents’ perceptions of officer quality through ordinary least squares analyses (OLS). Further, with confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) utilizing structural equation modeling, the study retests previously identified significant relationships to consider a hypothesized link between the two latent variables (residents’ support for the camera and their perceptions of officer quality). The study uses data from a 2008 survey of Houston residents. The results suggest, first, that police service variables are more predictive of both residents’ perceptions than are individual and geographic variables (OLS results). Second, a significant link exists between the two perceptions (CFA results). Thus, the results indicate that if residents offer greater support of red light camera enforcement, their perceived quality of life becomes secure, leading to a better evaluation of the police. Red light camera enforcement has not been frequently observed in the context of quality of life. The findings add empirical evidence to the body of literature regarding traffic camera enforcement and residents’ perceptions of police.