Introduction to Policing Research: Taking Lessons from Practice

The expansion of degrees and postgraduate qualifications on policing has come hand in hand with the need for a more scholarly and research-based approach to the subject. Students are increasingly encouraged to apply research to practice and this book is specifically designed to bring clarity to the concept of empirical research in policing.

As an introduction to the theoretical explanations and assumptions that underpin the rationale of research design in policing, this book clearly illustrates the practical and ethical issues facing empirical research in a policing context, as well as the limitations of such research. Introduction to Policing Research brings together a range of leading scholars who have a wide range of experience conducting police research. Topics covered include:

• professional development,
• police culture,
• policing protests,
• private policing,
• policing and diversity,
• policing in transition,
• policing and mental health,
• policing and sensitive issues.

This book is perfect for undergraduate and graduate students on policing degrees, as well as graduate students and researchers engaged with criminal justice. It is also essential reading for police officers taking professional and academic qualifications.

Mark Brunger received his PhD from Queen’s University Belfast in 2010 and was a Senior Lecturer in Policing Studies at Canterbury Christ Church University, UK. He published on issues of neighbourhood and community policing, covering both the UK and Northern Ireland in journals such as: The International Journal of Semiotics of Law, Criminal Justice Matters, Crime Prevention and Community Safety, Crime, Law and Social Change and Fortnight. He was a key contributor to the teaching of modules on the BSc (Hons) degree in Policing and Police Studies (pre-service), aimed at students intending to pursue a career in policing. His expertise and research interests lay in police accountability, police professionalisation, the use of multi-agency partnerships and the application of ethnographic research methods.

Stephen Tong is Director of Policing and Criminal Justice at Canterbury Christ Church University, UK. He has contributed to the development of the policing curriculum at the university at undergraduate and postgraduate level over the past thirteen years. He contributed to the Independent Stevens' Commission on the future of policing (2013), the Blackstone's Handbook for Policing Students (an annual publication) and articles on various policing issues. His research interests include: investigative practice, police cooperation and leadership, professionalisation, police training and education.

Denise Martin is a Senior Lecturer in Criminal Justice and Criminology at the University of the West of Scotland, UK. She completed her PhD research on Best Value Policing at Middlesex University in 2004. Denise has conducted research on a range of topics within both the prison and the police service. Denise is a member of the Scottish Institute of Policing Research.