Perceptions of police use of surveillance cameras in Ghana; does procedural justice matter?

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the effect of perception of police use of surveillance cameras (POP-S), perception of police legitimacy (POP-L) and community well-being. The study further explores the mediating effect of procedural justice between POP-S and police legitimacy. Design/methodology/approach A convenience sampling technique was used in the selection of 388 participants, who answered questions relating to police use of surveillance cameras, legitimacy, procedural justice and community well-being. Structural equation modeling was used to test the effects of the hypothesized paths. Findings The findings showed that POP-L was positively related to community well-being. In addition, procedural fairness partially mediates between POP-S and police legitimacy. Research limitations/implications The study sample was limited to only motorists within the city of Accra. Hence, the study does not consider other potential offenses that may be uncovered by police-deployed surveillance cameras. Practical implications The study optimizes the relevance of technology use in contemporary policing for the elimination of road traffic carnage. Originality/value In this research, the academic scope of technology-based policing was scholarly advanced by drawing links between police use of surveillance cameras, police legitimacy, procedural justice and community well-being within the context of emerging economies.