Public Trust and Perception of Justice in Law Enforcement in Kazakhstan

Abstract

The study provides an overview of the Just Kazakhstan program, initiated in the aftermath of the 2022 January events, providing insights into how government initiatives aimed at promoting fairness can potentially positively impact trust in law enforcement, which has been tested by domestic turmoil. Public trust in law enforcement agencies is a critical issue; however, key factors influencing this trust remain underexplored. The authors argue that, beyond traditional determinants like procedural justice and performance, the perception of society as mostly just plays a significant role in shaping individuals' trust in public institutions, including law enforcement. To test this theory, the authors employ ordinary least squares (OLS) regression analysis on data from a survey of Kazakhstani citizens, using separate models to analyze the effect of perceived justice alongside control variables based on procedural justice, social capital, and performance theories. The findings reveal a statistically significant relationship between perceptions of societal justice and trust in law enforcement, supporting both the authors' theory and prior literature. This research suggests that perceptions of fairness and equal application of the law are key factors in fostering public trust, even for individuals without direct contact with law enforcement. This research complements existing studies on public trust by highlighting the broader societal perceptions that influence trust in institutions.