The Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Public Attitudes Towards the Australian Police

Abstract Positive public attitudes towards Australian police have reduced since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The following study aimed to explore these changing attitudes. Specifically, this study examined differences in attitudes towards the police across a pre-pandemic and during pandemic sample, taking into consideration the levels of contact participants had with the police and the Australian states they reside in. Furthermore, the associations between participant’s understanding of the role of police during the pandemic and their attitudes towards the police were identified. Using a cross-sectional survey design with quantitative measures, demographic data and participant’s opinions regarding the police were gathered. An open-ended survey question was also used to gain information regarding participant’s understanding of the role of police during the pandemic. Participants were 406 Australian adults (228 females, 175 males, and 3 others). When compared to pre-pandemic attitudes, a significant reduction in overall attitudes towards the police was identified during the pandemic. Participants living in states that were highly impacted by COVID-19 (i.e., Victoria, Australia) reported the least favourable attitudes towards the police. Finally, participants who had an accurate understanding of the role of police reported the most favourable attitudes towards the police. Each significant result displayed a high effect size. This study provides preliminary information for policing agencies on strategies that can be used to improve community to policing relationships in future disastrous events. Findings are discussed in relation to future research directions, educational implications and public awareness campaigns.