FROM INTERNS TO AMBASSADORS: ASSESSING HOW POLICE TRAINING PROGRAMS INFLUENCE PUBLIC PERCEPTION AND ORGANIZATIONAL IMAGE

Abstract

This research investigated the effect of PPVIP on participants’ perceptions regarding the internship program, public trust, and the soft image of the Punjab Police. For this study, a sample of 117 participants completed the questionnaires measuring these constructs. The results indicated that age did not moderate perceptions, suggesting that perceived program effectiveness did not differ across age groups. Gender differences existed in ratings for the internship program, as females viewed the internship more positively than males, although gender did not have a significant effect on either public trust or the police’ s soft image. Participants who rated the program as Excellent demonstrated higher perceptions of program effectiveness, greater public trust, and a more favorable soft image. Engaging in internships outside PPVIP did not significantly alter perceptions. Structural equation modeling subsequently confirmed these findings. All measurement indicators for PPVIP, Public Trust (PT), and Soft Image of the Punjab Police (SIPP) were loaded significantly onto their latent constructs, which reflects strong validity and reliability. The SEM showed that PPVIP has a strongly positive effect on public trust (β = 0.728) and that public trust has a very strong positive effect on the soft image of the police (β = 0.879). The direct effect of PPVIP on soft image was negligible (β = –0.042), which could suggest that public trust acts as a mediator to translate these program experiences into organizational image perceptions. Well-structured, quality police intern programs can enhance participant engagement, build public trust, and create an improved organizational image for law enforcement. Agencies can use such programs to encourage gender-inclusive approaches, improve community-police relations, and develop program participants as ambassadors to influence public perceptions positively