In limited statehood areas, do positive police-citizen relationships foster greater acceptance of state authority? The author argues that relationship building provides crucial information and facilitates social bonds. However, the paper shows shared demographic characteristics between officers and citizens don't enhance this effect.
This experimental research used randomization in rural Liberia to test attitudes toward police household visits. These interactions improved perceptions significantly regardless of officer gender or citizen demographics.
The findings reveal a critical tension: procedural fairness matters immensely. Citizens exposed to unfairness during these encounters developed negative views about state legitimacy and police effectiveness, potentially undermining any relationship benefits gained.
Overall, the results demonstrate that while relationship building is essential for state perception, it cannot compensate for persistent perceptions of injustice.
