An Evaluation of the Implementation of Modern Police Station Project Integrating the Justice System to Support ASEAN Community Regarding Inquiry Services

Abstract

              The objectives of this study are 1) to explore the factors used for selecting pilot police stations for the Modern Police Station Project, 2) to evaluate the progress of the implementation of the Modern Police Station Project, 3) to examine the differences between the satisfaction level of people who used services of the inquiry section in police stations in which the Modern Police Station Project was implemented and the others who used inquiry section services of police stations which did not participate in the project, and 4) to study the suitable models and approaches to enhance the efficiency of the inquiry section management in the Modern Police Station Project. Both qualitative and quantitative methodologies were employed in this research. As for the quantitative research method, data were collected through the satisfaction questionnaire surveying a total of 2,070 people who entered services in six pilot police stations in this project, which included 1) Pattaya Police Station, 2) Bang Kaeo Police Station, 3) Phasi Charoen Police Station, 4) Bang Lamung Police Station, 5) Bang Sao Thong Police Station, and 6) Lak Song Police Station. The qualitative method was performed by in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with inquiry officers and other professionals in the justice system and the private sector, including 100 people in total.

Research results were demonstrated as follows:

1. The input factors of the Modern Police Station Project included: 1) sufficient human resources with knowledge and skills, 2) litigation cases, 3) purview, and 4) sufficient budgets for compensation and office supplies. These should be properly managed in order to enhance work efficiency.


2. According to the evaluation results of the Modern Police Station Project, it was found that inquiry officers failed to adequately respond to the need of the public due to insufficient workforce. The assignment of other tasks for inquiry officers resulted in a lack of efficiency in work performance. Regarding procedures and steps in services, it was found that inquiry officers applied forensic science and technologies to their investigation. They also coordinated with relevant organizations to rapidly deliver justice, impartiality, and transparency to the public.


3. The service of the inquiry section in police stations in the Modern Police Station Project received higher satisfaction scores than other police stations that did not participate in the project. When conducting t-test comparison, it was found that there was no difference at a significance level of 0.05.


4. According to the suitable models and approaches to enhance the efficiency of the inquiry section management, it was found that police station administration should be more systematic, consisting of 1) sufficient human resources, 2) police operation in inquiry officers, 3) training, 4) morality and professional ethics, and 5) career advancement for inquiry officers.