Policing and attitudes towards police in countries in transition: Preliminary results of the international crime (victim) survey

Abstract

The International Crime (Victim) Survey was carried out in 1992 and 1996 in 7 and 15 countries in transition respectively. Changes in policy and attitudes to the police in these countries aroused major interest in terms of whether things are changing after the fall of the Berlin Wall. Preliminary analysis of the IC(V)S shows that in countries in transition there was an increase in reporting to the police in the period 1992–1996; the highest increase from among the total of 57 participating countries. While in 1992 the majority of citizens did not report to the police, in 1996 there were more reported than non‐reported crimes. However, other indicators of police satisfaction have not changed much. There is still an average no‐confidence in the police and dissatisfaction with the way the police handle cases once reported and treat the victims of crime. Similarly, satisfaction with the police in controlling crime has not improved. There is still much to be desired in changing the police culture and improving police‐community and police‐victims relations in countries in transition.