Understanding the role of police in intergroup conflict

Pages: 2105-2108
Shivani Mishra, Rashmi Kumar, and Deepti Mishra (Department of Psychology, University of Allahabad, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh)

Intergroup conflict has become a very serious issue in the world. It can manifest in many forms such as religious, ethnic, racial. Police plays significant role during conflict. This paper attempts to understand how police influence the intergroup conflict. It also aims to understand how police play role in the de-escalation and escalation of the conflict. In this regard, the present paper makes an attempt to review the literature to understand the role of police. Based on findings of the literature review, it can be concluded that an individual’s belonging to a particular group of society such as minority or majority group shapes their perception toward police. Their previous direct experience or indirect experience with police such as their group’s experience can influence their trust in police. Trust in police can influence activities of conflicting parties during the conflict which can enhance or inhibit the conflict. The police are often seen as in favor of a given ethnic or political group in intergroup conflicts. In India, it is well documented that police biased during intergroup conflict, which lead to escalation of conflict, and loss of life and property. It is also happens sometimes that police faces challenges to manage conflict due to lack of support of bureaucracy, peoples, and government.