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Trust in the Police during the Pro-Democracy Movement in Hong Kong: Psychosocial Factors of Perceived Procedural and Distributive Justice

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  • Heng Choon (Oliver) Chan

    (Teaching Laboratory for Forensics and Criminology, Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China)

Abstract

Hong Kong has experienced social unrest in response to the proposed anti-extradition bill since early June 2019. Demonstrations and rallies have often ended in violent clashes between protestors and the police. Based on a sample of 1024 Hong Kong adults, this study explored the psychosocial factors underlying public perceptions of police procedural and distributive justice among Hong Kongers. Testing the propositions of several criminological theories (i.e., neutralization theory, the general aggression model, general strain theory, and self-control theory), the findings indicated that men reported significantly more positive general perceptions of police procedural and distributive justice, better general mental health, and more negative attitudes toward violence than women did. Young adults perceived significantly higher levels of police general, procedural, and distributive justice than did their middle-aged and older counterparts, who reported significantly better general mental health and greater self-control. Multivariate analyses indicated that across all age groups, better general mental health, greater self-control, and more negative attitudes toward violence were significantly associated with positive perceptions of police general, procedural, and distributive justice. This study concludes with practical guidance for enhancing public perceptions of police procedural and distributive fairness.

Suggested Citation

  • Heng Choon (Oliver) Chan, 2022. "Trust in the Police during the Pro-Democracy Movement in Hong Kong: Psychosocial Factors of Perceived Procedural and Distributive Justice," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(11), pages 1-20, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:11:p:6495-:d:825103
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Wolfe, Scott E., 2011. "The effect of low self-control on perceived police legitimacy," Journal of Criminal Justice, Elsevier, vol. 39(1), pages 67-74.
    2. Chan, H.C.O., 2019. "Exploring the overlap between victimization and offending among Hong Kong adolescents," Journal of Criminal Justice, Elsevier, vol. 61(C), pages 72-80.
    3. Wolfe, Scott E., 2011. "The effect of low self-control on perceived police legitimacy," Journal of Criminal Justice, Elsevier, vol. 39(1), pages 67-74, January.
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