Police Problem Solving Models and Theories

Addresses the policing models and concepts which underpin officers' daily decision making. It clearly relates theory to practice and promotes transferrable skills including critical thinking and case study analysis.

This book offers the reader a comprehensive understanding of problem-solving models and policing theory. The approach bridges the gap between academic understanding and practical considerations, and situates police decision making within ethical frameworks adopted by police services in England and Wales. It also draws attention to the legislation which underpins the context of problem solving and the policies which inform this. Models are discussed in relation to theoretical underpinnings and implementation is examined through policy and legislation, historical success and limitations.

Critical thinking is a must for all police officers present and future and, as such, readers are challenged to consider decision making and the impact of their choices for both themselves as police officers and the wider community that they will go on to serve. Chapters cover neighbourhood, 'hot spot' and predictive policing, rational choice theory, situational crime prevention and partnership working. Readers can benefit from reading the text cover to cover to gain a developing understanding of the topic, or they can use it to reference key principles and ideas.

This text is part of the Professional Policing Curriculum in Practice series.

Steve Wadley is course leader on the BSc Professional Policing undergraduate degree at Birmingham City University and a former Ministry of Defence police officer. He has a Masters in intelligence and security.

Laura Riley is a lecturer in Criminology and Policing at Birmingham City University and a PhD researcher. Her teaching focuses on vulnerabilities, diversity, abuse, multiagency working, ethics, and mental health.

Sharda Murria is a lecturer in Criminology and Policing at Birmingham City University and is in the final year of her PhD. She is passionate about community engagement and promoting lawful and ethical policing, particularly of marginalised communities.

Tony Blockley has served within policing for over 30 years, gaining extensive knowledge and understanding of policing organisation and practice. On retirement he had attained the rank of Chief Superintendent with the position of Head of Crime, responsible for leading 500+ multi-disciplinary staff within a complex and critical department servicing public protection, major and serious crime, serious and organised crime, terrorism, financial crime, fraud and forensic services.

As the lead for policing at Leeds Trinity University he is responsible for co-ordinating policing higher education, including developing programmes and enhancing current provision in line with the Police Education Qualification Framework (PEQF) while also supporting the College of Policing in the development of programmes.

He combines an extensive policing career with an understanding of the national curriculum, the requirements of the academic standards and the entry routes to policing, giving him a unique perspective and the necessary credibility to support his role as Editor of Critical Publishing's new policing series.