Construct the Exemplary Chinese Police Image: Public Perceptions and Generational Differences

Abstract

In an era when online discourse and mediated scrutiny increasingly shape public
attitudes, understanding how citizens construct the image of “exemplary police” has
practical importance for legitimacy and governance. This qualitative study asks: How
do citizens conceptualize an exemplary police image, how do these conceptions vary
across generations, what obstacles hinder image construction, and what strategic
pathways might address those obstacles? Using an online Jungian free-association task
(n =200;1,740descriptors) and follow-up semi-structured interviews (n = 30;>80,000
words), we applied inductive thematic analysis in NVivo 12 to generate empirically
grounded findings across four birth cohorts. Results identify three core image
dimensions—moral integrity, professional competence, and civic embeddedness—
and reveal clear generational priorities——Baby Boomers: ethics; Gen X/early
Millennials: relational trust; late Millennials/Gen Z: integrated expertise and digital
responsiveness. We also identify three major gaps that hinder image construction:
fragmented frameworks, conflicting enforcement–service standards, and uneven
individual image awareness. To address these gaps we propose a three-part roadmap:
institutionalize leadership (value alignment and accountability metrics); build
organizational ecosystems (role modelling, incentives, and disciplinary clarity); and
cultivate individual agency (co-created goals, peer reflection, and recognition). The
study concludes that coordinated top-down, mid-level, and bottom-up strategies are
necessary to co-construct a trusted, adaptable police image. Future research should test
the model’s generalizability in underrepresented regions, develop quantitative
validation instruments, and evaluate targeted interventions.