SOCIAL WORK AND LAW ENFORCEMENT COLLABORATION : EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS OF FAMILY SERVICE CENTERS AND THEIR PERCEPTIONS OF THE SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE

Abstract

This study presents an analysis on the perceptions of family service centers directors towards the police in the context of inter-organizational collaboration. The focus of the study revolves around the perceptions of these directors and the factors affecting the formation of such perceptions. Besides looking at perceptions within the circumstance of inter-organizational collaboration, perceptions formed outside this context would also be examined. Using the data gathered from the respondents (n=10), their perceptions were rated on a scale of 1 to 7. An average perception rating of 5.3 and 4.6 were recorded for perception from their professional and personal capacity respectively. Although the analysis had shown that factors, such as past experiences, client influence, and media influence, to be extraneous to the respondents' decision to undertake inter-organizational collaboration with the police, several new factors, which may hinder present or future collaborative efforts between the two organizations, were uncovered.