What does the first judgement of police legitimacy focus on?

• A. The speed of response
• B. Public trust and confidence in the police
• C. The tone of voice used
• D. The visibility of patrols

Answer: (B)

When people form their first impression of police legitimacy, they judge whether the police deserve their trust and confidence. This initial judgment rests on perceived legitimacy—the belief that the police act fairly, lawfully, and with respect for the public and for rights. If the public trusts the police, they are more likely to accept their authority, cooperate, and follow guidance.

The other factors described are about how the police perform or present themselves in specific moments—speed of response, tone of voice, or how visible patrols are. These can influence how people feel about police behavior, but they don’t capture the fundamental, initial assessment of whether the police are a legitimate authority in the eyes of the public.