Residential types, neighborhood security and public trust in Ghana police service: a comprehensive analysis

Purpose This study investigates the impact of residential type and neighborhood security on public trust in the police in Ghana, while controlling for demographic factors and police-related variables. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected during the ninth round of the Afro-Barometer survey conducted in Ghana between 2019 and 2021 with a sample size of 2,369 participants. The study employed binary logistic regression analysis to examine the relationship between the independent variables (residential type and neighborhood security) and the dependent variable (trust in the police). Findings The results indicate that living in traditional housing is associated with lower levels of trust in the police compared with other residential types. Unexpectedly, neighborhood security did not emerge as a statistically significant predictor of police trust. However, police corruption and the use of force were negatively associated with trust, whereas police professionalism positively predicted trust. Interestingly, unnecessary police stops were positively associated with trust, possibly reflecting a complex relationship between police visibility and public perceptions. This study also revealed ethnic and regional variations in police trust, highlighting the need for culturally sensitive policing approaches. Originality/value This study stands out in three key aspects. First, it represents one of the first attempts to examine how residential type and neighborhood security influence public trust in law enforcement agencies in Ghana. Second, this study is among the few to investigate the relationship between neighborhood conditions and trust in police using a sample that is representative of the entire nation. Finally, these findings contribute to the understanding of the multifaceted nature of public trust in the police within the Ghanaian context and offer insights for policymakers and law enforcement agencies to enhance police-community relations.