YOUTH PERCEPTION OF THE POLICE: A STUDY OF MERSEYSIDE, UNITED KINGDOM

Michael Mathura

Abstract


This study examines young people's perceptions of the police in Merseyside, United Kingdom, a topic that has received limited empirical attention. Based on interpretivist philosophy, the research used a qualitative approach, conducting semi-structured interviews with 20 young people aged 16–25 from Liverpool and Wirral. The study looked into how socioeconomic status, parental influence, police contact, community environment, and ethnicity influence attitudes towards law enforcement. Thematic analysis identified six main themes: socio-economic status, parental influence, ethnicity, perceptions of justice, nature of police contact, and gang involvement. Results show that young people from less advantaged communities experience more involuntary police contact, often viewing officers as biased or overly strict, while those from wealthier backgrounds report more voluntary and positive interactions. Parental influence and community culture were found to reinforce intergenerational attitudes towards policing. Notably, ethnicity was not identified as a major factor affecting police perception, indicating context-specific dynamics in Merseyside. This research offers an original contribution to understanding youth and police relations in a UK regional setting, emphasising the need to address socio-economic inequalities, promote procedural fairness, and encourage positive, community-focused policing strategies. Policy, practice, and future research implications are discussed, with suggestions for broadening both the geographic and methodological scope of future studies.

 


Keywords


youths, perceptions, police, Merseyside

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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.46827/ejsss.v12i1.2148

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