Confidence in the police among immigrants in South Korea: An examination of the dual frames of reference theory

• Published in: Policing : an international journal of police strategies & management 2019-10, Vol.42 (5), p.767-784
• Main Authors: Jang, Hyunseok, Shin, Songyon, Hong, Myonggi, Choi, Young-Shin
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Democracy; Developed countries; Developing countries; First generation; Homicide; Immigrants; Individual differences; LDCs; Linear analysis; Minority & ethnic groups; Murders & murder attempts; Noncitizens; Perceptions; Police; Social conditions & trends; Victimization; Violence
• ISSN: 1363-951X; 1758-695X
• DOI: 10.1108/PIJPSM-11-2018-0167

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to test the dual frames of reference theory. For the test, the reference point hypothesis examines whether the difference in the quality of social conditions between the home and host countries determines the variations of immigrants’ trust in the institutions of their host country.Design/methodology/approachBy using hierarchical linear modeling analysis, the current study examines whether “difference of homicide rate from South Korea” or “difference of level of democracy from South Korea” influences immigrants’ confidence in the police. Using data collected from nine different immigrant groups in South Korea, the current study examined both country-level factors as well as individual-level factors.FindingsAccording to the analysis results, the difference of level of democracy from South Korea significantly influenced immigrants’ confidence in the South Korean police. Specifically, when immigrants came from democratically under-developed countries, they showed a relatively high level of confidence in the South Korean police.Originality/valueConfidence in the police among the first generation of immigrants has recently attracted increasing attention. However, no previous studies have examined immigrants’ confidence in the police within an Asian country. Thus, the current study might contribute to generating better police performances toward first-generation immigrants who tend to be discriminated against and are also vulnerable to various forms of victimization because of their new status in a new society.