Introduction to Policing

"An extremely valuable source of reading, information, and guidance for my policing students. It covers all the topical issues."
Johannes Oosthuizen – Lecturer at Winchester University

Introducing the definitive guide for students and professionals alike who want to gain a comprehensive understanding of policing in the 21st century. This updated edition of Introduction to Policing reflects the latest developments in policing and offers a rigorous yet accessible overview of the historical origins and theories of policing, the functions of police organisations, and the challenges and controversies facing policing today.

With an emphasis on critical thinking and analysis, Rowe encourages readers to consider different perspectives and to engage with key debates around policing, such as ‘who guards the guards’ and ‘the implications of police culture’, helping them to develop a more nuanced understanding of this complex field. The clear writing style, engaging case studies, and helpful study aids make this book an invaluable resource for students and professionals alike.

Key features include:

• Revised and expanded discussion of racism and police culture, and new coverage of the development of antiracist policing 
• Updated examples reflecting contemporary criticisms of policing, such as the cases of Sarah Everard and George Floyd
• Expanded discussion of key debates, including the ‘defund the police’ movement, and the use of technology and digital policing, including Smart Policing, drones, and body-worn cameras 
• Learning objectives, key terms, review questions, and annotated further readings in every chapter will help you to engage with the material and consolidate your learning

Michael Rowe is Professor of Criminology at Northumbria University 
Liam Ralph is Assistant Professor of Criminology at Northumbria University
Ali Malik is Lecturer in Criminal Justice at University of Leeds

Professor Michael Rowe′s research interests have tended to focus on accountability and governance in policing, and the changing organisation and delivery of policing in relation to diversity, professionalisation, the application of Evidence Based Policing and the challenges of policing in a digital age. A recent project has explored the changing nature of visible policing in relation to the impact of police buildings, material culture and social media on public perceptions of legitimacy and authority, as well as on police officer and staff professional culture and identity. Other projects have examined innovative police responses to domestic violence, organisational and cultural change in the policing of adult sexual assault investigations and the ethical and governance challenges of using scientific research and AI technology in contemporary policing.  He is currently developing work exploring the policing of Anthropocentric climate change.

He has published widely on these and related matters in the British Journal of Criminology, Policing and Society, Public Management Review, the Journal of Contemporary Ethnography, Criminology and Criminal Justice and many other journals. His books include Policing the Police (Policy Press, 2020) and Accountability in Policing: Contemporary Debates (Routledge, 2015, edited with Stuart Lister) and Introduction to Policing (Sage, 2018, third edition). He is editor of the International Journal of Police Science and Management.