Declining Public Trust in Policing

Public confidence in the police has significantly declined over the years, exacerbated by major incidents and a shift in policing philosophy. Factors contributing to this erosion include the increasing influence of academic perspectives on policing, which emphasize formal education over practical, community-based engagement. The public's dissatisfaction is further fueled by the perception that the police often neglect everyday crimes affecting ordinary citizens, such as burglary and theft, leading to a disconnect from the communities they are meant to serve. As a result, the police's relationship with the mainstream public, who traditionally support law enforcement, has deteriorated.