Perceptions of police use of surveillance cameras in Ghana; does procedural justice matter?

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the effect of perception of police use of surveillance cameras (POP-S), perception of police legitimacy (POP-L) and community well-being. The study further explores the mediating effect of procedural justice between POP-S and police legitimacy.

Design/methodology/approach

A convenience sampling technique was used in the selection of 388 participants, who answered questions relating to police use of surveillance cameras, legitimacy, procedural justice and community well-being. Structural equation modeling was used to test the effects of the hypothesized paths.

Findings

The findings showed that POP-L was positively related to community well-being. In addition, procedural fairness partially mediates between POP-S and police legitimacy.

Research limitations/implications

The study sample was limited to only motorists within the city of Accra. Hence, the study does not consider other potential offenses that may be uncovered by police-deployed surveillance cameras.

Practical implications

The study optimizes the relevance of technology use in contemporary policing for the elimination of road traffic carnage.

Originality/value

In this research, the academic scope of technology-based policing was scholarly advanced by drawing links between police use of surveillance cameras, police legitimacy, procedural justice and community well-being within the context of emerging economies.

Citation

Hevi, S.S., Malcalm, E., Ketemepi, G.E., Wuttor, A. and Agbenorxevi, C.D. (2022), "Perceptions of police use of surveillance cameras in Ghana; does procedural justice matter?", Safer Communities, Vol. 21 No. 4, pp. 302-316. https://doi.org/10.1108/SC-04-2022-0015