Likelihood Analysis of the Factors Effecting Public Opinion of Police Performance in Pakistan

Abstract

This study identifies behavioral and socio economic determinants of public satisfaction regarding police services in Pakistan. We incorporated the behavioral aspects of society through social networking or social awareness and the usage of technology as additional determinants of police performance. The Probit model with sample selection (heckprobit) is employed, in order to avoid sample selection bias. The findings reveal that the likelihood of satisfaction of male household heads is significantly low. Furthermore, wealthier households are more satisfied; which also raises a question about police performance. The results strongly recommend that the police department needs to improve its behavior, as urban society is less satisfied. Furthermore, the government should reduce the transaction cost of police services and other barriers that keep poor people away from the police; as the poor households are less satisfied. Finally, the social awareness and media is also a significant determinant of public satisfaction. The study finding reveals that the access to media and technology variables indicates that the families who have these facilities have a significantly lower probability of satisfaction in Pakistan.