Democratic policing, police accountability, and citizen oversight in Asia: an exploratory study

Abstract

One of the ways in which the ideals of policing mirrors democratic governance is the role played by citizens in dealing with matters relating to police accountability. While many western developed democracies have mechanisms for civilian oversight of police that include an active citizen role, the extent to which citizen oversight exists in new and emerging democracies is unclear. In this exploratory study, we examine the nature and extent of police accountability in emerging and new democracies in Asia, their efforts to democratize police organizations, and the extent to which civilians are included in police oversight mechanisms.

Keywords:

• citizen oversight
• police accountability
• democratic policing
• development and policing
• Asia

Notes

An earlier version of this paper was presented at the annual meetings of the Midwestern Criminal Justice Association, Chicago, 27–28 September 2012.

1. Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) is a group of Asian and European governments engaged in informal conversations about political and cultural issues.