Community Perceptions of Police Performance and Legitimacy in Hardap Region / Namibia: Research Proposal

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Date

2025-05

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Namibia University of Science and Technology

Abstract

This study investigates community perceptions of police performance and legitimacy in the Hardap Region, Namibia. While traditional performance indicators such as crime rates and response times remain important, contemporary research emphasizes that citizens’ trust, satisfaction, and perceived fairness increasingly define the legitimacy and effectiveness of policing. Against a backdrop of growing public concern over misconduct and inadequate service delivery within NAMPOL, this project adopts a mixed-methods approach—integrating quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews—to systematically examine subjective perceptions and their alignment (or divergence) with objective performance indicators. The research aims to identify key drivers of trust and dissatisfaction, assess demographic variations in perceptions, and propose data-informed strategies for improving police responsiveness, professionalism, and community engagement. Using frameworks such as SERVQUAL and incorporating insights on procedural justice and symbolic legitimacy, the study intends to contribute to strengthening democratic policing principles in Namibia. Findings are expected to support the development of targeted reforms, guide community policing strategies, and enhance institutional accountability, ultimately bridging the gap between citizen expectations and policing realities. The research is embedded in a broader collaborative project involving NUST and NAMPOL, leveraging academic rigor to inform policy and operational improvements in service delivery.

Description

Research proposal

Keywords

police performance, public perception, legitimacy, Namibia

Citation

Schulz, S. (2025). Community perceptions of police performance and legitimacy in Hardap Region / Namibia: Research proposal.

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