Introduction to Policing Research

“Policing in the modern era is a mixture of socio-legal, socio-cultural, ethical and normative, and administrative and policy interaction. Such inquiry must apply quantitative and qualitative analysis to explain formal social control in democratic societies. This second edition continues the pursuit of broadening the knowledge base of policing introducing chapters rooted in theory, method and the practicalities of policing, an often-delicate balance. In this volume, notable police scholars examine policing from inside the occupation, and externally as to the impacts of policing, as well as efforts to transition and transform the police. The breadth of the volume is a refreshing contribution to understanding this complex institution, simultaneously charged with formal social control, yet under the constraint of rule of law. The volume will be well received by academics and police practitioners”.

Jack R. Green, Professor Emeritus, School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Northeastern University, Boston

“Policing research is rich in its diversity and broad in its approach. Through a series of fascinating case studies, this second edition of Introduction to Policing Research celebrates that kaleidoscope of work by bringing alive the challenges, pitfalls and joys of research. Leading national and international policing scholars introduce readers to a variety of traditional and innovative research methodologies set within the important context of research design, ethics, limitations and impact. The editors should be commended because not only will this book be an invaluable resource for students, practitioners and researchers alike but is also testament to the very healthy state of policing research going into the future”.

Dr Sarah Charman, Professor of Criminology at the University of Portsmouth

“Both the conduct of policing and the ways it is researched have been evolving and adapting rapidly in recent years. This book provides a unique perspective on these issues by utilising a variety of analytic lenses that illuminate the art, craft and science of contemporary police work”.

Professor Martin Innes, Security, Crime and Intelligence Innovation Institute, Cardiff University

“Policing and researchers have a long and vexed history which has greatly improved over recent years. This improvement has been brought about by some of the authors in this edition, who have identified the value of working ‘with’ police to truly add value and validate their work. Hopefully, some of the examples in this edition will inspire a future generation of policing scholars”.

Dr Tracey Green, CEO ANZPAA Australia New Zealand Policing Advisory Agency

“Read this book! The study of policing has changed as has policing. For students and professors, this important book points the way to the challenges of the future. It is courageous in setting out needed research on the complexity of the police organization, diversity, leadership and global transitions in police work. It is both practical and readable”.

Peter Manning, Senior Fellow at Garfinkel Archive, Former Fellow of Balliol College Oxford, the Socio-legal Centre, Wolfson, and Fellow of Wolfson College Oxford