6TH INTERNATIONAL ISTANBUL CURRENT SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH CONGRESS
AN ANALYSIS OF THE BAZAAR AND NEIGHBORHOOD WATCHMEN SYSTEM IN TURKEY FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF PUBLIC CHOICE THEORY
Yayıncı:
Liberty Publications
This study aims to examine the neighborhood watchman system, reintroduced in Turkey in 2016, from the perspective of public choice theory. Public choice theory suggests that political and bureaucratic actors tend to maximize their individual interests. In this context, it is argued that the neighborhood watchman system is not solely intended to enhance public security but also shaped by goals of political exchange and bureaucratic expansion. The study analyzes the decision-making processes regarding the reimplementation of the watchman system, political discourses, the role of law enforcement, and public perceptions. A mixed-methods approach was employed, incorporating qualitative and quantitative data sources, including legal regulations, media discussions, and citizen surveys. The findings reveal that the watchman system exhibits a complex structure with both positive and negative aspects.Its effectiveness depends on various factors, such as citizens' perceptions of security, the performance of watchmen, and the applicability of legal regulations. While the system has contributed to enhancing the perception of public safety, it has faced significant criticism regarding the boundaries of authority, levels of training, and the use of firearms. Therefore, improving the system's effectiveness requires revisiting legal regulations, strengthening training processes, and giving greater consideration to public perceptions. In conclusion, this study provides a comprehensive analysis of the neighborhood watchman system from the perspective of public choice theory, evaluating the relationships between public safety, political exchange, and bureaucratic dynamics, and offering a detailed account of the system's strengths and weaknesses.
