POLICE legitimacy, the public’s confidence in law enforcement’s authority to act in the community’s best interest, is essential for building trust, fostering cooperation, and encouraging voluntary compliance with the law. It shapes citizens’ willingness to report crimes, support policing efforts, and uphold societal order. Rooted in procedural justice — transparency, impartiality, and respectful treatment — legitimacy strengthens when police demonstrate fairness and accountability. Conversely, corruption, discrimination, and excessive force erode trust, fuelling resistance and non-cooperation. To maintain legitimacy, law enforcement must uphold justice, actively engage with communities, and ensure accountability, as its erosion weakens police effectiveness and threatens public safety.
The relationship between police and the public is foundational to societal stability and trust, reflecting the degree to which law enforcement serves and protects its community. Ideally, this relationship is built on mutual respect, with the police acting as guardians of public safety while upholding justice and the rule of law. However, in many contexts, this relationship is strained by factors such as perceived or actual abuses of power, systemic discrimination, and lack of accountability. Communities that experience disproportionate policing or excessive use of force often harbour resentment, which undermines collaboration and public trust. Conversely, proactive measures such as community policing, transparency initiatives and constructive dialogue can improve this relationship, fostering a sense of shared responsibility for safety and justice. Trust between the police and the public is crucial for effective crime prevention, as cooperative communities are more likely to report crimes, assist in investigations, and participate in crime reduction initiatives.
People in Bangladesh increasingly expect the police to engage closely with local communities to address crime and social issues, particularly in rural and poorer urban areas where law enforcement is often seen as distant or unapproachable. Community policing, which fosters trust and cooperation through outreach programmes, neighbourhood policing, and collaborative crime prevention initiatives, is viewed as an effective approach. By engaging with citizens, police can gather intelligence, encourage crime reporting, and address real community concerns, reducing alienation in marginalised areas. However, the community policing initiative introduced by the Police Reform Programme in Bangladesh gradually became a flawed system, manipulated by individuals in power for personal and political gain, rather than promoting inclusivity and genuine service. The vision for an ideal police force emphasises inclusivity, empathy, and collaboration, ensuring that officers reflect the diversity of the communities they serve. Yet, past efforts were hindered by political interference, as those integrated into the system primarily served ruling party interests, limiting public engagement. Effective community policing requires sincere outreach, transparency, and shared responsibility through initiatives like neighbourhood watch programmes and police-community forums. By addressing past challenges and actively involving citizens in decision-making, law enforcement can strengthen public trust, enhance service delivery, and create safer, more cohesive societies.
ÌýThere is a growing expectation that the police should operate proactively, not merely react to emergencies like firefighters responding to a call. Instead, the police should function more like a postman, who delivers letters that the recipient may not anticipate. This proactive stance would allow the police to anticipate and address issues before they escalate, building a system where safety and service are seamlessly integrated into daily life. For instance, a student, whether from a rural or urban area, who is found wandering late at night or in potentially questionable places may raise concerns, as they are generally expected to be focused on their studies during this time. According to the law, police may detain the individual if they cannot provide a valid reason for their late-night presence. Such situations can sometimes be associated with substance abuse or other risky behaviours. Addressing these social issues requires cooperation and proactive involvement from the local community and even from their guardians.
The relationship between police, press media, and digital media is complex and multifaceted, shaping public perceptions and influencing the dynamics of accountability and transparency. Traditional press media often act as intermediaries between law enforcement and the public, reporting on police activities, crime, and justice-related issues. However, the rise of digital media has transformed this relationship, allowing real-time dissemination of information and amplifying the voices of citizens. Platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram enable individuals to document police actions, often bypassing traditional media gatekeepers. While this democratisation of information increases scrutiny and accountability, it also introduces challenges such as misinformation and polarisation. Police departments have increasingly embraced digital media for public relations, community outreach, and crisis communication, but the immediacy and virality of online content can escalate tensions during incidents of misconduct or brutality. Thus, the interplay between these entities reflects a delicate balance of power, trust, and responsibility in the digital age.
Collaboration with other public and private institutions is essential for effective policing and delivering comprehensive justice. By working closely with judicial bodies, civil society organisations, and social services, police can address the multifaceted nature of crime and ensure that justice extends beyond enforcement to rehabilitation and prevention. Coordinating with other law enforcement agencies at local, national, and international levels enhances the ability to respond to complex challenges such as organised crime, terrorism, and cross-border issues. Sharing information, expertise, and resources strengthens the collective capacity to address these threats while fostering a unified approach to public safety and justice.
By their very nature, police often find themselves deeply involved in the personal lives of individuals, sometimes becoming the sole witnesses to great tragedies, catastrophes, or the vicissitudes of life. The public expects the police to handle sensitive information with discretion, communicate respectfully, and resolve cases impartially. Compassion and humanity are essential qualities that citizens look for in their police force. The police are responsible for protecting the fundamental aspects of human life, often stepping in during moments of great crisis and vulnerability. They bear a profound responsibility in safeguarding human life, responding to crises, and witnessing the intricate realities and complexities of human experiences. Their interventions often extend beyond law enforcement to include compassion, support, and advocacy for individuals at their most vulnerable moments. This multifaceted role highlights the importance of equipping officers with the necessary skills, resources, and empathy to fulfil their duties effectively and ethically.
Police officers are entrusted with access to sensitive and classified information, making their role in safeguarding confidentiality vital to individual privacy, societal trust, and national security. The leakage of such information, whether intentional or accidental, can lead to personal harm, public unrest, and threats to a nation›s sovereignty, including compromised intelligence and strained international relations. To mitigate these risks, law enforcement must enforce strict confidentiality policies, adopt advanced security technologies, and provide training on ethical and secure information handling. Accountability measures, robust oversight, and fostering a culture of integrity within police forces are essential to maintaining public trust and protecting critical information. Failure to uphold this responsibility has far-reaching consequences for individuals, society, and the state.
The right to information from law enforcement is fundamental to transparency, accountability, and public trust in policing. Historically, the police have been perceived as a ‹blue bastion› — an institution shrouded in secrecy and difficult for ordinary citizens to access. However, in democratic societies, the public has a legitimate right to seek information about law enforcement policies, crime statistics, investigation procedures, and their own legal rights. Ensuring accessible communication channels, timely responses to public enquiries, and adherence to right-to-information laws can help bridge the gap between the police and the communities they serve. By promoting openness, law enforcement agencies can foster greater trust, encourage cooperation, and enhance the legitimacy of their role in society.
The Dhaka Metropolitan Police has created a database to collect and store information about tenants, inmates, and house owners residing in buildings, flats, and houses. This move has faced resistance from the public. This initiative has been intended to enhance security or streamline law enforcement processes, but it raises several concerns. Public resistance likely stems from fears of privacy invasion, potential misuse of data, and the lack of transparency in how the information will be used or secured. To address these concerns, DMP should clearly communicate the purpose of the database, implement strict data protection measures, and ensure compliance with laws that safeguard individual privacy rights. Engaging with community stakeholders and ensuring accountability could help build public trust in such initiatives.
Ìý
Gender sensitivity and inclusivity
GENDER-SENSITIVE policing ensures law enforcement practices are informed by an understanding of gender dynamics, addressing the specific needs of women and marginalised groups. This approach emphasises fairness, inclusivity, and protection from gender-based violence and discrimination. It involves training officers to appropriately handle cases such as domestic violence, sexual assault, and harassment while upholding survivors’ rights and dignity. Additionally, recruiting and retaining women in police forces fosters diversity and enhances decision-making. Gender mainstreaming in policing systematically integrates gender perspectives into all policies, procedures, and practices to ensure equitable treatment and effectiveness. This includes gender-balanced recruitment, an inclusive work environment, and specialised training to address gender-based crimes. Collecting and analysing gender-disaggregated data further strengthens policy decisions, improves community trust, and enhances justice delivery. By adopting gender-sensitive approaches, law enforcement agencies can promote fairness, protect human rights, and contribute to broader societal equality.
Ensuring respectful and empathetic treatment of women and girls by the police is crucial for promoting gender equality and fostering trust in law enforcement. Officers should receive specialised training to address gender-specific vulnerabilities, particularly in cases of domestic violence, sexual harassment, and human trafficking. Police stations must provide safe and confidential spaces for women to report crimes, with female officers available for sensitive cases. Any misconduct or discrimination must be met with strict accountability measures. By adopting a gender-sensitive approach, police forces can strengthen community relationships and contribute to a safer, more equitable society for women and girls.
ÌýPeople expect a police force that embraces diversity and ensures equal representation and participation of individuals from all segments of society. This involves recruiting personnel from different genders, ethnicities, religions, socioeconomic backgrounds, and marginalised communities to reflect the society they serve. Inclusivity also entails fostering a culture of respect, fairness, and non-discrimination within the organisation, ensuring that everyone, both within the force and in the broader community, feels valued and supported. By being inclusive, the police can build trust, enhance community engagement, and effectively address the unique needs of diverse populations. The Bangladesh police follow a structured, four-tier recruitment system for police officers, complemented by a separate process for recruiting non-police experts and civil staff. This approach is tailored to address the unique requirements of each rank, from constable to assistant superintendent of police. Embracing individuals from diverse backgrounds and fostering inclusivity within its ranks will help gain community trust.
Respect for other faiths within the police force is essential for fostering unity, mutual understanding, and a harmonious work environment. As law enforcement officers serve diverse communities, embracing religious tolerance ensures fair and impartial policing, free from bias or discrimination. Promoting interfaith respect strengthens teamwork, enhances morale, and upholds the fundamental principles of justice and human rights. Encouraging cultural awareness training and inclusive policies within the force helps prevent conflicts and reinforces a professional and ethical approach to policing. Ultimately, a police force that values religious diversity builds public trust and fosters stronger community relations.
To be continued
Ìý
Dr Md Motiar Rahman is a retired deputy inspector general of police.