Police and Policing in the Israeli-Arab Society: Attitudes and Expectations Among the Israeli- Arab Population

• NCJ Number: 230379
• Author(s): Yoav Santo Ph.D.; Nohad Ali Ph.D.
• Date Published: March 2008
• Length: 10 pages
• Sale Source: Israel Ministry of Public Security
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical)
• Language: English
• Country: Israel

Annotation

This study examined the attitudes of the Israeli-Arabs towards the Israeli police.

Abstract

Key findings from the study indicate that Israeli-Arabs have a dual attitude towards the Israeli police. The findings indicate partial satisfaction with some police activities while at the same time a lack of confidence with other units of the police force. Data for this study came from an in-depth telephone survey of 884 Arabs residing in Israel in August 2005; interviews with 15 key figures from the Arab public; and 3 focus groups conducted with residents from 3 Arab communities in the Galilee. Most respondents expressed satisfaction with the Traffic Department, the Community and Civil Guard Department, and the Patrol and Security Department. A majority of the respondents expressed satisfaction with the police in the areas of maintaining public order, protecting human lives, and dealing with domestic disputes. However, a majority of respondents also expressed no confidence in the Border Guard and in the Special Forces. The data also indicate that gender played a role in the respondents' beliefs, with men tending to express more polarized positions and women expressing positions more in the middle. Recommendations for ways to improve Israeli-Arab attitudes towards the Israeli police are discussed.