EXAMINING SOCIO-ECONOMIC DRIVERS OF PUBLIC ATTITUDES TOWARD THE NIGERIAN POLICE

Public attitudes toward the Nigerian Police have remained inconsistent, largely due to persistent allegations of misconduct, corruption, and weak accountability structures, which have contributed to a widening social distance between citizens and law enforcement agents. This paper, titled Examining Socio-Economic Drivers of Public Attitudes Toward the Nigerian Police, investigated the socio-economic conditions that shape perceptions of the police and influence the nature of police–citizen interaction in Nigeria. The objective of the study was to identify the key socio-economic factors that affect public attitudes toward policing, assess how poverty, unemployment, and inequality influence trust in law enforcement, and evaluate how improved socio-economic conditions may strengthen cooperation between both parties. Anchored on Social Contract Theory and Conflict Theory, the paper argued that economic deprivation and social inequality weaken police legitimacy and foster alienation, thereby discouraging constructive engagement between citizens and the police. Adopting a systematic review methodology, the  paper synthesised empirical and theoretical evidence from sociology, criminology, and police studies, drawing on national and international literature in peer-reviewed journal articles. The findings indicate that low income levels, political interference, poor working conditions among police personnel and widespread unemployment among citizens are critical drivers of declining police credibility and the erosion of mutual respect. The paper further revealed that socio-economic inequality intensifies suspicion, hostility, and corruption within police–public relations. The paper concluded that improving welfare for police officers, strengthening institutional accountability, promoting community engagement, addressing poverty and social exclusion are essential pathways for rebuilding public confidence and enhancing security for sustainable development in Nigeria.