Researching the Police in the 21st Century International Lessons from the Field

The unique position, power and privileges which various states and communities invest in police organisations makes policing a dynamic and sensitive area for research. The distinctive culture that exists within the police services makes the challenge of research greater, nevertheless offering commentators and researchers a rare opportunity to investigate and get close to these powerful institutions. This collection explores the importance of undertaking police research, focusing on the difficulties that may be encountered whilst carrying out research of this nature.

Using real-life examples from around the world including the USA, UK and Germany, this volume takes a uniquely practical approach to police research, offering valuable solutions and reflections to assist police researchers and undergraduate and postgraduate students in overcoming the barriers which may be experienced whilst undertaking research and providing an essential guide for best practice in this field.

Colin Rogers is Professor of Police Science at the University of South Wales, UK. He is a former police officer having served with the South Wales police for 30 years, retiring in 2003 at the rank of Inspector. He is also Visiting Professor at Charles Sturt University, Australia. He is the author and co-author of nine books on policing and police related matters, and has published nearly 200 articles in both practical and academic journals both nationally and internationally.

James Gravelle is a Senior Lecturer at the International Centre for Policing and Security at the University of South Wales, UK. He has previously worked for the University of Glamorgan as a consultant and Research Assistant, and regularly carries out research on behalf of Police Services. He is also Associate Professor at Charles Sturt University, Australia and Associate Lecturer for Oxford Brooks University. He is the author and co-author 70 articles in both practical and academic journals both nationally and internationally.

Editor Preface
About this Book
1. Research on Policing: Insights from the Literature; Garry Thomas, Colin Rogers and James Gravelle
2. Researching the Police-Zero Tolerance and Community Safety; Colin Rogers
3. Researching the Police: Personal Insights and Reflections; James Gravelle
4. Research Methodology, Methods and Design; Garry Thomas
5. Collaboration in Crime Prevention Partnerships: Research with a Multilevel Mixed Design; Bernhard Frevel
6. Researching Across Nations: The Anglo-American Experience; John Foust
7. Hard to Reach Groups; Amanda Milliner
8. Researching Vulnerable Children, a Munity-agency Perspective; Louise Skilling
9. Summary; Colin Rogers
Appendix A1: Preamble – An Interpretation of the Brief
Appendix A2: List of the Six Research Categories and Twenty-Nine Subject Sub-Categories