In order to establish baseline information for the second phase of the PRP two comprehensive surveys (public and police perception surveys) were undertaken to ascertain police and public perceptions on issues of safety, security and justice in Bangladesh, with particular attention given to the role of the Bangladesh Police. Specifically, the two surveys correlated to comprehensively review perceptions of security and police performance, how these are perceived to have changed over the previous two years and where further developments may be required. These surveys succeed Police Reform Programme: Public Attitude Follow up Survey and Security provisions in Bangladesh: A public perception survey, conducted by Data Management Aid in 2008 and Saferworld and Mitra & Associates in 2009, respectively. The present surveys should, thus, contribute to ascertaining developments, achievements and areas which may require further attention within the reform programme, reflecting upon the indicators and parameters established in the Results Framework (RF).

The public perception survey was carried out with a nationally representative sample of 6,134 households, employing a two-stage cluster sampling design and taking into consideration the geographical and demographical spread of the model thanas/non model thanas and rural thanas/urban thanas. The survey followed a nationally representative random sampling technique to ensure the production of statistically significant quantitative indicators of public perceptions among the population of Bangladesh aged 18 and above. The survey endeavoured to solicit public perceptions on matters related to the outcomes of the PRP (Phase 11) RF, namely: the strategic direction and organisational reform; human resource management and training capacity; investigations, operations and prosecutions; crime prevention and community policing.

The police perception survey was carried out with a nationally-representative sample of 888 police personnel, drawn by employing a two-stage cluster sampling design. The sample represented police personnel from all ranks, and from all administrative levels and all training institutions. The sample also provided for a representation of men and women that reflected the gender composition of the Bangladesh Police. 

The police perception survey was carried out with a nationally representative sample of 888 police personnel, drawn by employing a two-stage cluster sampling design. The sample represented police personnel from all ranks, and from all administrative levels and all training institutions. The sample also provided for a representation of men and women that reflected the gender composition of the Bangladesh Police. The survey endeavoured to solicit police perceptions on matters related to the outcomes of the PRP Phase II RF, namely: the strategic direction and organizational reform of Bangladesh Police; human resource management and training; investigations, operations and prosecutions; crime prevention and community policing; gender sensitive policing; the use of Information, Communications and Technology (ICT) for information-sharing and decision-making. 

The major tasks were carried out including:

• development and finalization of the sample design; 
• selection of sampling clusters; 
• household listing and mapping of clusters; 
• selection/drawing of households (basic sampling units); 
• translation, pretesting and finalization of the questionnaire; 
• preparation of survey manuals; 
• printing of the questionnaires and other tools; 
• recruitment of field personnel; training of field personnel; 
• conducting of fieldwork; conducting of quality control checks; 
• registration of completed questionnaires and instruments; 
• developing of data entry program; 
• developing of data coding/editing manual; entering of data into computer 
• cleaning of data;   
• tabulation of data as per analysis plan; 
• assisting during writing/presentation of the report.

Client reference: 

1. Ms. Chamila Hemmathagama, Team Leader – Asia, Saferworld, Grayston Centre, 28 Charles Square, London N1 6HT, UK, Phone: +44(0)20 7324 4646, www.saferworld.org.uk, Email: chamila@saferworld.org.uk
2. Ms. Neila Husain, Country Representative & Project Manager, Saferworld-Bangladesh, House 8, Suite F3, Road 13, Dhanmondi, Dhaka, Bangladesh, Mobile: 01713016556 and E-mail: nhusain@saferworld.org.uk

The survey was awarded by Safer world and funded by PRP/UNDP, and completed from May to December 2011