When The Public Loses Trust in Institutions, People Take Matters Into Their Own Hands

When taken to the extreme, the erosion of public trust in institutions, including law enforcement, can even threaten societal safety and stability. When faith in these systems is lost, some individuals may take extreme measures, believing institutional mechanisms are ineffective. The murder of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson by Luigi Mangione seems to exemplify this breakdown. Mangione’s writings expressed frustration with systemic failings in U.S. healthcare, which he described as “the most expensive in the world” yet delivering poor outcomes. His alleged targeted attack at a corporate event, where he may have wanted to single out the CEO as a symbol of perceived injustice, may highlight the dangerous consequences of disillusionment with institutional accountability.

Law enforcement's role as the most visible face of government becomes crucial in moments like these. In Pennsylvania, when Mangione was first identified, a rookie cop was the first to respond to the scene. This underscores how law enforcement is most often the frontline of institutional response, relied upon in critical situations. It’s also a testament to those who identified Mangione and trusted the police enough to report him—a reminder that trust in institutions, though strained, remains a societal thread.

When police are seen as trustworthy and effective, communities are more likely to work collaboratively to uphold justice. However, when this trust erodes, the social contract weakens, leaving room for vigilante actions or extreme behaviors. Rebuilding trust requires transparency, accountability, and meaningful community engagement. Policing agencies which actively connect with residents are publicly demonstrating fairness, empathy and effectiveness, which works to rebuild public trust.

Through stronger community ties and a commitment to effective, empathetic and just policing, we can help restore faith in institutions broadly, creating a safer society and preventing individuals from feeling compelled to take justice into their own hands. Trust isn’t just a societal ideal—it’s a necessity for a healthy society.