Three Pillars of Police Legitimacy: Procedural Justice, Use of Force, and Occupational Culture

Abstract

Purpose

This chapter seeks to illuminate the interconnectedness of procedural justice, use of force, and occupational culture in relation to police legitimacy.

Methodology/approach

The authors review the existing literature and offer an integrated methodological approach that would better assist researchers in their quest to enhance police legitimacy.

Findings

Using a systematic design that assesses police legitimacy from a variety of sources has the potential to help answer critical questions with regard to improving police practice.

Originality/value

This is a novel study approach, which has yet to be implemented but which may offer great insight with respect to improving police legitimacy.

Citation

Terrill, W., Paoline, E.A. and Gau, J.M. (2016), "Three Pillars of Police Legitimacy: Procedural Justice, Use of Force, and Occupational Culture", The Politics of Policing: Between Force and Legitimacy (Sociology of Crime, Law and Deviance, Vol. 21), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 59-76. https://doi.org/10.1108/S1521-613620160000021004