Ghanaian Perception of Police Misconducts and Civil- Relations: Examining Osu Publics

Abstract

All over the world, communities rely on the police to "protect and serve' and the police, in turn, rely on community support and cooperation, but the relationship is not always harmonious. In recent times, there has been a rampant increase in police misconduct. One major challenge to poor police-civil reiations and effective law enforcement. This article examines perceptions of police misconduct in Ghana with Osu Township in focus, and the factors that influence these perceptions. The study examines how citizens' views general police misconducts including personal and vicarious experiences with police officers, exposure to mass media coverage of police behavior, and neighborhood conditions. Results show that majority of citizens perceive all levels of misconducts among police officers but the key factor remains that there are no other alternatives and have had to cope with the system. The impact from the study include but not limited to loss of confidence; unwarranted attacks on the police; the settlement of issues out of police jurisdictions; low citizens support; and the lack of respect and trust for Police officers. Although the public recognizes some notable efforts by the Ghana police in recent times to redeem its image and restore public confidence, it is highly anticipated that more workable measures are adopted to improve service delivery and foster strong bonds among community groups. In achieving the needed positive impact the study suggest more community involvement in policing procedures and programs; the adoption of monitoring systems and checks on personnel to hold the police accountable for their actions; transparency in police operations and lines of communication; professional development in human relational skills; reinforcing public confidence through the implementation of community policing programmes; and the reorientation of the average Police officer in the service.