Main Article Content
Influence of Police Front Desk Attendance Skills on the Public Trust in Police Stations Within Mvita and Changamwe Sub Counties, Kenya
Abstract
Public trust in the National Police Service is crucial for the effective and professional performance of police officers. This study examined the influence of police front desk attendance skills on public trust in police stations within Mvita and Changamwe Sub-Counties. The research focused on three main objectives: evaluating the impact of police front desk communication proficiency, assessing the influence of problem-solving aptitude, and determining the effect of empathy and respectfulness on public trust. Guided by social capital theory, the study employed a stratified random sampling method, targeting 260 respondents, including members of the public, complainants, suspects, visitors, and police officers. Data collection involved interviews and questionnaires, with ethical clearance and NACOSTI licensing obtained beforehand. Quantitative data were analysed using SPSS Version 26, while qualitative data were analysed thematically. The findings revealed that effective communication, problem-solving skills, and empathy/respectfulness at the front desk significantly enhanced public trust. However, inconsistencies in response times highlighted the need for consistent service delivery. The study also identified challenges in addressing perceived inequalities and information provision. These results underscore the importance of efficient, transparent, and fair front desk operations in building public trust and improving community-police relations. The study provides valuable insights for policy recommendations and interventions aimed at strengthening the relationship between the National Police Service and the public.