Citizens’ trust in Bangladesh Police: A cross-sectional survey on urban population

Abstract

The study assessed the level of trust in police among urban citizens in Bangladesh and examined the associated factors. An online cross-sectional survey was conducted through mobile phones to collect data from 1,680 respondents using a structured questionnaire. A 9-item scale was developed and validated to measure citizens’ trust in police using procedural- and outcome-based trust models. The urban citizens had a relatively low level of trust in the police. Factors like trust in neighbourhoods, satisfaction with governmental law and order operation, believing positive media reports on police, and personal safety awareness were significantly positively associated with trust in police. In contrast, increasing crime in the residential areas, believing negative media reports on police, and senior citizens were significantly associated with low levels of trust in police. Bangladesh police should adopt pro-people practices with effective implementation of law and order to increase their trust.