From Petition to Peace Institutional Innovations for Enhancing Police-Citizen Relations in the Context of Public Petitions

Abstract This study explores the dynamics of the police petition system in China, focusing on how procedural justice and institutional responsiveness shape citizens’ trust and satisfaction. By analyzing interviews with 68 petitioners, the research investigates how the quality of police-civilian interactions—characterized by respect, empathy, and transparency—affects perceptions of fairness, even when outcomes do not meet citizens' expectations. The findings reveal that procedural justice in China’s xinfang (petition) system transcends legal norms, integrating relational and emotional factors that impact public trust. Although recent reforms, such as digital platforms and responsibility-tracking mechanisms, have improved procedural transparency and efficiency, they still fall short in addressing the emotional needs of petitioners and overcoming barriers like the digital divide, which exclude vulnerable groups. This study contributes to the literature on authoritarian governance, suggesting that procedural justice frameworks can be effectively applied in non-democratic settings. Future reforms should prioritize enhancing the emotional aspect of police-citizen interactions to foster legitimacy and trust.