The public perception of the Malta Police Force

Abstract

This dissertation analysis public perceptions of the police, and identify public priorities for policing. The basis of this study forms as a basis for guidance, to identify service failures where the police are failing to match public expectations and measure levels of public satisfaction. The study comprises general information about the police work, followed by a literature review that deals with the public image and how the police and citizens interact with each other. Telephone interviews were conducted amongst the population. These results, form a guidance to the Police Force on the reallocations of resources to better meet public expectations and on how the police force could make informed decisions either to target realistic improvements in levels of service or, perhaps, to manage public expectations.