Lack of support and complaints to police relate to which external group?

• A. Public and community
• B. Police work (stress)
• C. Criminal justice system
• D. Police organization (stress)

Answer: (A)

Lack of support and complaints to police are about relationships with the public outside the department. The public and the community are external to the police, and their perceptions determine legitimacy and trust in policing. When the community feels unsupported or frequently files complaints, it signals to officers and leaders that legitimacy is eroding, which can reduce cooperation, compliance, and overall effectiveness. Internal stresses tied to the job or the police organization itself aren’t about external groups, and while the criminal justice system is a broader partner, the direct external group referenced by lack of support and complaints is the public and community.