This qualitative exploratory research examines the perception of self-legitimacy of officers of the Carabineros de Chile, a national police institution operating in the Araucanía region, characterized by high territorial conflicts of an indigenous nature. Forty-six officers from various police functions were interviewed using two data collection techniques: focus groups and in-depth interviews. The results demonstrate the importance of attacks on the police and the perception of a lack of institutional support in the perception of police self-legitimacy by officers. On the other hand, officers with greater citizen involvement perceive greater effectiveness in their performance and, therefore, have greater self-legitimacy. The research highlights the need for additional studies on this topic that have yet to be explored in Latin America, especially quantitatively, to optimize police governance in conflict zones.