Policing the pandemic: exploring public perceptions of the enforcement of COVID-19 restrictions in the United Kingdom

Boulton, Laura ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5623-8884, Simanovic, Tia, McManus, Michelle ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0095-1071 and Walker, Dominique (2024) Policing the pandemic: exploring public perceptions of the enforcement of COVID-19 restrictions in the United Kingdom. The Police Journal: Theory, Practice and Principles, 97 (4). pp. 787-803. ISSN 0032-258X

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Abstract

Traditional UK policing relies on Peelian principles of policing by consent in which public views of police legitimacy are crucial. This study used a mixed methods survey design to explore the impact of the Coronavirus Act 2020 on public perceptions towards the police in one UK force region. The findings indicate that self-reported compliance with COVID-19 measures was significantly related to trust in local policing. Qualitative responses indicate that police enforcement of Covid regulations was believed to infringe on individual liberties while losing focus on ‘real crime’ and decreasing trust in police.