What does fairness and consistency in police legitimacy entail?

Fairness and consistency in police legitimacy fundamentally involves ensuring that the processes used in decision-making are just and equitable, which includes both how decisions are made and the outcomes that result from them. By emphasizing fair processes and outcomes in decisions, police departments can foster public trust, which is crucial for effective law enforcement. When individuals believe that they are treated fairly and that the outcomes of police actions are just, they are more likely to view law enforcement as legitimate and to cooperate with police efforts.

This approach is consistent with the broader understanding of procedural justice, which posits that people are more likely to accept and comply with the law when they believe they have been treated in a fair manner. This encompasses not only respectful interactions and transparency but also ensures that the processes utilized are unbiased and that those processes lead to fair outcomes. Such a framework ultimately supports a community-oriented approach to policing where legitimacy is derived from the perception of fairness shared by the public.