University of Twente Student Theses
Procedural Justice Dialogues to Enhance the Youth-Police Relationship including VR Technology The Positive Police Contact Intervention (PPCI)
Siepenkort, Tobias.S. (2025) Procedural Justice Dialogues to Enhance the Youth-Police Relationship including VR Technology The Positive Police Contact Intervention (PPCI).
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| Abstract: | A positive relationship between young people and the police contributes to social cohesion, institutional trust, and public safety. Research has shown that frequent negative interactions with law enforcement can undermine these relationships, particularly among youths from structurally disadvantaged neighborhoods and ethnic minority backgrounds. Procedural Justice Theory (PJT) suggests that police officers' treatment of citizens—whether they (1) treat them with dignity and respect, (2) display trustworthy motives, (3) make unbiased decisions, and (4) provide opportunities for citizens to express their views—shapes their identification with society and law enforcement. In turn, this identification influences trust in the police and perceptions of police legitimacy, two key determinants for lawful behavior and cooperation with law enforcement. In response to these challenges, the Positive Police Contact Intervention (PPCI) was developed to facilitate positive, meaningful interactions between police officers and youths. The intervention aimed to foster perspective taking and mutual understanding through structured dialogues supported by virtual reality (VR) technology. This study examines the design, implementation, and evaluation of the PPCI across 16 intervention sessions in various Dutch cities, involving over 130 youths and 10 police officers. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study assesses the intervention's impact on youths' perceptions of procedural justice, trust in law enforcement, police legitimacy, social identity, and career interest in policing, measured before and after the intervention. Qualitative data were collected to capture youths’ evaluations of the intervention. Findings indicate that 80% of the youths had a positive experience, and 64% reported feeling able to express themselves during the interaction. Dialogues centered on (1) police decision making, (2) youths’ perceptions and experiences with the police, and (3) profession-related topics. Youths particularly valued (1) the VR experience, (2) exchanging perspectives, and (3) the educational aspects of the intervention. Correlational analyses revealed strong associations between procedural justice perceptions, trust, legitimacy, identification with the Netherlands and the police, and career interest in policing. The intervention did not significantly alter procedural justice perceptions, trust, legitimacy, or career interest in policing. Notably, however, identification with Dutch society increased, while identification with the police decreased. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed to inform law enforcement strategies, future research, and intervention design aiming to enhance the youth-police relationship. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Master) |
| Faculty: | BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences |
| Subject: | 70 social sciences in general, 77 psychology, 89 political science |
| Programme: | Psychology MSc (66604) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/106047 |
| Export this item as: | BibTeX EndNote HTML Citation Reference Manager |
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