Police-Citizen Relations in Nigeria: Procedural Justice, Legitimacy, and Law-Abiding Behaviour

This book explores why people cooperate with the police in Nigeria, examining the history of policing and procedural justice theory in a post-colonial African context. It finds that citizens are more motivated by effectiveness and "dull compulsion" than legitimacy, and offers insights for policy makers.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 251 pages
Publication date: 22 April 2023
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This comprehensive book delves into the historical and contemporary dynamics of policing and police-citizen relations in Nigeria, aiming to unravel the intricate factors that influence individuals' willingness to cooperate with the police. By examining the legitimacy of the police force and the applicability of procedural justice theory in a post-colonial African context characterized by corruption, brutality, and a lack of accountability, the author seeks to provide more refined and alternative explanations for why people choose to engage with or refrain from cooperating with the police.

The book begins by exploring the historical roots of policing in Nigeria, tracing the evolution of the police institution and its role in maintaining order and security in the country. It then delves into the theoretical framework of procedural justice, which posits that the fairness and legitimacy of police interactions with citizens are crucial in shaping their attitudes and behaviors.

To test the validity of procedural justice theory in the Nigerian context, the author conducts an extensive cross-sectional survey of the public. The survey aims to gather data on citizens' perceptions of police legitimacy, their experiences with police encounters, and their attitudes toward cooperation with the police.

One of the key findings of the study is that citizens' cooperation with the police is driven less by legitimacy considerations and more by effectiveness considerations and "dull compulsion." This concept, akin to legal cynicism, refers to the sense of obligation or duty that individuals feel toward the police, even when they do not fully trust or endorse their actions.

The study highlights the significant variations between contexts when addressing the influence of perceived procedural justice policing on perceptions of police legitimacy. It demonstrates that factors such as historical legacies, cultural norms, and community trust play a crucial role in shaping citizens' attitudes toward the police.

The implications of these findings for policy makers are profound. The study suggests that policymakers need to prioritize efforts to enhance police legitimacy by promoting transparency, accountability, and fairness in their interactions with citizens. It also emphasizes the importance of addressing the root causes of police misconduct, such as corruption and lack of training, to improve the overall effectiveness of the police force.

In conclusion, this book offers a valuable contribution to the field of policing and police-citizen relations by providing a comprehensive analysis of the historical and contemporary dynamics of policing in Nigeria. Through its examination of the influence of perceived procedural justice policing on perceptions of police legitimacy, the study sheds light on the complex factors that shape individuals' interactions with the police. The findings have significant implications for policy makers and practitioners, and they highlight the need for a nuanced and context-specific approach to addressing the challenges of policing in Nigeria.

Weight: 359g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030929213
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022