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Assessment of Democratic Policing in Turkey

NCJ Number
240560
Journal
International Journal of Police Science & Management Volume: 14 Issue: 4 Dated: Winter 2012 Pages: 299-311
Author(s)
Akin Karatay; Michael Wiatrowski; James J. Vardalis; Kendra N. Bowen
Date Published
2012
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This study examined the implementation of a democratic policing framework, using quantitative methods to assess the attitudes of 384 Turkey National Police officers.
Abstract
As an example of a growing trend towards democracy among developing countries, Turkey is engaged in a program of admittance to the European Union. Recently, the Turkey National Police (TNP) has implemented a series of reforms and changes resulting in a transformation towards democratic policing. This study examined the implementation of a democratic policing framework, using quantitative methods to assess the attitudes of 384 TNP officers. Its focus was the attitudes, values and characteristics of TNP members, organisational capacity, police culture, and other contemporary criminal justice policies of the TNP. Multiple regression (OLS) revealed that democratic development, departmental leadership, cynicism for the reforms and aggressive law enforcement orientation were significantly related to the acceptance of democratic policing. Demographic variables, except tenure, were not significantly related to democratic policing. In conclusion, democratic policing was accepted by the organisation and more research is needed to further explore the process through which the THP confronts democratization. (Published Abstract)