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Police legitimacy embodies the collective view of a community's relationship with law enforcement because it encompasses the perception that the police have the right to exercise their authority in a just and fair manner. This concept is pivotal as it reflects how the community views the police not only as enforcers of the law but also as partners in maintaining public safety and order.

When police are perceived as legitimate, it leads to greater public cooperation and compliance with the law. Community members are more likely to support law enforcement initiatives and collaborate in crime prevention. This trust in law enforcement is essential for effective policing, as it fosters an environment where community members feel empowered to report crimes and work alongside the police.

In this context, while public opinion, public cooperation, and public interaction are important aspects of the relationship between communities and law enforcement, they do not fully capture the underlying perception of authority and fairness that defines police legitimacy. Therefore, police legitimacy is a more comprehensive representation of this relationship.