Satisfaction with neighborhood as a predictor of attitude toward the police

The purpose of this study was to examine the utility of satisfaction with neighborhood as a predictor of attitude toward the police. This satisfaction measure was compared to the traditional demographic predictors (age, income, race, and education) to determine their relative value as indicators of attitude toward local law enforcement.

Satisfaction with neighborhood and attitude toward the police were measured by summing z scores on several homogeneous items related to each variable. It was hypothesized that: 1. The personal and demographic predictors and satisfaction with neighborhood would be positively related to attitude toward the police. 2. Satisfaction with neighborhood would make a unique contribution in predicting attitude toward police independent of the demographic predictors. 3. The independent contribution of neighborhood satisfaction would be greater for high tenure than for low tenure groups.

A random sample of 344 adult residents was chosen from five neighborhoods within the city limits of Knoxville, Tennessee. Trained interviewers administered a 17 page questionnaire containing items related to personal quality of life, local police, and broader aspects of local government.

Results supported the hypothesized correlations of attitude toward police with age and satisfaction with neighborhood. The unique independent contribution of satisfaction with neighborhood to attitude toward police was substantial and significant. The exploratory hypothesis was contradicted as the contribution of satisfaction with neighborhood was considerably larger in the low tenure group than in the high tenure group.

The failure of most of the traditional personal and demographic variables to predict attitude toward the police suggests possible explanations for the ineffectiveness of many police-community relations programs targeted on this basis. Furthermore, the significant contribution of satisfaction with neighborhood suggests that the determinants of attitude toward the police may be more diffuse and complex than previously thought. Also, the challenge of gaining citizen support for the police is discussed as a function of the police role as a symbol of many broader aspects of local government.