What is the focus of 'procedural justice' in policing?

Procedural justice centers on the fairness and transparency of the processes involved in law enforcement and the broader justice system. It emphasizes the importance of how police officers interact with the public and how decisions are made during those interactions. When the processes that resolve disputes or handle community issues are perceived as fair, it fosters trust between law enforcement and the community.

This trust is critical for effective policing, as it encourages community cooperation and compliance with the law. Procedural justice involves treating individuals with dignity, allowing them a voice in the process, and ensuring that policies and practices are consistently applied. These aspects contribute significantly to how the public views the legitimacy of law enforcement actions, which can ultimately impact crime rates and community relations.

In contrast, the other options do not directly pertain to the core concept of procedural justice. While outcomes of investigations, visibility in communities, and response times are important aspects of policing, they are more related to effectiveness and efficiency rather than the fairness of the procedures employed. The focus of procedural justice is strictly on the process and how that influences perceptions of fairness and legitimacy in policing.