“Det är de privilegierade och oss andra” : En kvalitativ studie om unga vuxnas attityder och erfarenheter av polisensarbete i Göteborg

Sammanfattning: Swedish society is characterized by trust and confidence in authorities. In connecting with society changing and becoming more multicultural, shortcomings and mistrust against authorities have become increasingly common. The police are seen as a threat and are subjected to threats. The threats are a consequence of repeated situations where discrimination and special treatment of certain groups of people took place rather than being treated with respect and helpfulness. The aim of the study was to investigate to what extent experiences, in terms of meetings and interactions, shape young adults' attitudes towards the police. Furthermore, we wanted to find out whether geographical residence area plays a role in an individual's attitudes, and if so, in what way. Earlier research shows that the pronounced value base of the police and guidelines do not always agree with their treatment of and contacts with all groups of people. Through qualitative interviews with young adults, living in different areas of Gothenburg, it emerges that previous experiences of police actions have the greatest significance for the young adults' attitudes towards the work of the police.