A new Griffith University Australian Research Council funded project will examine the engagement between police and Muslims to assist in terrorism prevention.
Led by Professor Kristina Murphy from the Griffith Criminology Institute, the project aims to address a significant problem faced by police; that of encouraging Muslims to report terror threats.
“Understanding how Muslims and police perceive and manage their encounters with each other, and findings ways to foster Muslims’ trust and willingness to work with police to prevent terrorism has national and international significance,’’ Dr Murphy says.
“Collaboration from Muslims is essential to prevent terrorism, yet police often struggle to engage them in terrorism prevention.
“Acts of terrorism and terrorism prevention cost our economy billions of dollars annually. Yet current responses to terrorism often result in Muslims feeling stigmatised.
“Linking Muslims with terrorism alienates the Muslim community, reduces their willingness to work with police, and makes counter-terrorism policing difficult. Without public support, even the most well-resourced counter-terror agenda will struggle to be fully effective.”
The research will identify effective strategies police can use to improve relationships with Muslim communities using a procedural justice approach, that of emphasising fairness, voice, neutrality and respect.
It will provide evidence-based solutions toward understanding Muslims’ willingness to report terror threats to police, enhance Muslims’ participation in policing and support police in the prevention of domestic terrorism.