Leiden University Student Repository

Meer, Sem van der (2025)

How are they influencing? Exploring the Relation between Law-Enforcement Social Media Accounts and Police Legitimacy

Bachelor thesis | Security Studies (BSc)

Abstract As law enforcement adapts to the digital age, social media has become a key platform for police-citizen interaction. However, the externalities of an online police presence are scarcely researched, which raises certain questions such as: How do Dutch law enforcement social media accounts influence perceptions of police legitimacy? This study examines how community-oriented policing (COP) strategies are translated to social media and how they influence the public perception of police legitimacy. Drawing on social media posts from the six largest Dutch police accounts and their comment sections, this paper explores the interplay between police influencers and their audience through the lenses of procedural justice and dialogic interplay. Findings suggest that police legitimacy in social media is a highly contextual concept. Public perception is shaped through personal biases, individual experiences, and a multitude of external factors. However, the data highlights that...Show moreAbstract As law enforcement adapts to the digital age, social media has become a key platform for police-citizen interaction. However, the externalities of an online police presence are scarcely researched, which raises certain questions such as: How do Dutch law enforcement social media accounts influence perceptions of police legitimacy? This study examines how community-oriented policing (COP) strategies are translated to social media and how they influence the public perception of police legitimacy. Drawing on social media posts from the six largest Dutch police accounts and their comment sections, this paper explores the interplay between police influencers and their audience through the lenses of procedural justice and dialogic interplay. Findings suggest that police legitimacy in social media is a highly contextual concept. Public perception is shaped through personal biases, individual experiences, and a multitude of external factors. However, the data highlights that personalized and transparent communication with police officers in social media can foster trust and improve perceived legitimacy. Contrastingly, a disinterested or indifferent reaction can deteriorate perceptions of police legitimacy. In addition, the format through which messages are communicated can significantly affect the manner in which the comment section responds. The study contributes to the ongoing debates on digital policing by highlighting both the opportunities and limitations of social media, as a tool for enhancing police legitimacy.Show less

police legitimacy, COP, social media, dialogic interplay, procedural justice

Author

Meer, Sem van der

Faculty

Faculty of Governance and Global Affairs

Supervisors

Paepe, J. de

ECTS Credits

15

Language

en