Blackstone's Handbook for Policing Students 2026

Comprehensive and reliable, Blackstone's Handbook for Policing Students 2026 is the ideal companion for the multitude of avenues into policing now open to future police officers, from pre-join degree courses, degree holder entry and degree apprenticeships, to the police constable entry programme. The book will also be of interest to Specials and PCSOs, especially those looking to join the police service as a constable.

Divided into five parts, representing key stages in your progression from entry into policing, to initial training and then confirmation, the Handbook leads you through each topic, covering theory, discussion, and practice while helping you to develop your skills of analysis, problem solving, and forms of reasoning. Coupled with a clear structure and accessible style, the book will provide you with the knowledge and understanding necessary to undertake independent patrol in a professional and competent manner. Key topics covered include stop, search, and entry; alcohol and drug offences; sexual offences; interviewing; and intelligence, as well as policing communities and wellbeing. Those aspects of police training which are common to all new entrants are clearly identified. There are specific chapters on evidence-based policing and understanding the Police Constable role, making the Handbook the ideal resource whether you are entering policing through a pre-join scheme or through an alternative qualification route.

Dominic Wood, Head of the School of Law, Policing and Social Sciences, and Professor of Ethical Policing, Canterbury Christ Church University,Sarah Bradshaw, Professor and Strategic Lead for Policing, Middlesex University,Tara Dickens, Associate Head of the School of Law, Policing and Social Sciences and Director of Policing, Canterbury Christ Church University,Julian Parker-McLeod, Professor and Head of School of Policing Studies, Charles Sturt University,Christina Davis

Dominic Wood is Head of the School of Law, Policing and Social Sciences, and Professor of Ethical Policing at Canterbury Christ Church University. After organizing and chairing an international policing conference at CCCU on Knowledge Led Policing, Dominic helped to establish the Higher Education Forum for Learning and Development in Policing.

Sarah Bradshaw is a Professor and Strategic Lead for Policing at Middlesex University. Her research is focused on gender equality and human rights. She also works on post-disaster response and recovery. She has advised many organizations on gender issues including the United Nations and briefed the armed forces and first responders on gendered response to disaster including a high-level military conference at the invitation of the Supreme Commander of the Swedish Armed Forces.

Tara Dickens is Associate Head of School for Law, Policing and Social Sciences and the Director of Policing at Canterbury Christ Church University. She specialises in public protection, and culture and leadership in policing. Previously, she spent 20 years as a Kent Police officer working at different ranks in uniformed response, criminal investigation, intelligence, and public protection.


Julian Parker-McLeod is a Professor and Head of School of Policing Studies at Charles Sturt University, NSW, Australia. Previously he was Director of Professional Education Programmes at the University of Portsmouth. He was also a Police Sergeant with the Cumbria Constabulary for over 15 years.

Part 1: Professional Policing in England and Wales1. Introducing the Handbook, Dominic Wood2. Ethical Policing, Professional Judgement, and Decision-making, Dominic Wood, Robin Bryant, and Richard Spreckley3. Understanding the Police Constable role, Sam Colbear-Pyke and Graham Weaver4. Evidence Based Policing and Problem Solving, Jennifer Norman and Justin Hobbs5. The Criminological and Criminal Justice Foundations of Policing, Sofia Graca and Naomi MorrisonPart 2: Core Policing Values and Behaviours6. Wellbeing and Resilience, Claire Smith, Barbara Hillier, and Dina Kapardis7. Valuing Diversity and Inclusion, Katja Hallenberg and Helen Sykes8. Leadership, Communication and Teamwork, Scott Clarke and Tara Dickens9. Managing Conflict, Jessica Bombasero-Brady and Gary JonesPart 3: Core Aspects of Police Work10. Response Policing, Richard Honess and Steve Russell11. Policing Communities, Barry Blackburn and David Knowles12. Information and Intelligence, Jo Smith and Suzanne Spreckley13. Conducting Investigations, Vince Straine Francis, Paul Norman, and Kevin Lawton Barrett14. Digital Policing, Paul Stephens and Paula Bradbury15. Counter Terrorism, Erika Brady, Kyle Hardcastle, and Garry Dunnagan16. Policing the Roads, James Nunn and Adrian WalderPart 4: Vulnerability and Policing17. Public Protection, Tara Dickens and Katarina Mozova18. Victims and Witnesses, Paula Bradbury, Jack Moss, and Susanne Knabe-Nichol19. Vulnerability and Risk, Paula Bradbury and Elena Martellozzo20. Alcohol, Drugs, and Substance Use, Barry Blackburn and Giuseppe Serrantino21. Sexual Offences, Paula Bradbury and Kristina Massey22. Gangs and Serious Youth Offending, Katarina Mozova and Jo MockeridgePart 5: Other Aspects of Police Work23. Unlawful Violence and Damage Against Persons and Property, Jack Moss, Stewart Frost, and Vince Leonard24. Theft, Fraud, and Related Offences, Jack Moss and Stewart Frost25. Stop and Search, Dominic Wood, Robin Bryant, and Richard Spreckley26. Protest, Disorder, and Anti-Social Behaviour, Sam Colbear-Pyke and Graham Weaver