This book highlights how the practical skills of the police officer can be transferred into the realm of academic research and support them in becoming part of the evidence-based policing movement. It starts by exploring the professionalisation of the police service through higher education accreditation and the different methodologies of social research practice. Using operational comparisons and a little humour, it guides the reader through the swamp of concepts and processes, such as ethical approval, research paradigms and data gathering and analysis. It then takes them on a journey of reflection and reflexivity, challenging their own perspective on policing and working within the wider criminal justice sector and how they can make a valuable contribution to the development of policing practice.
Author(s): Anne Eason
Publisher: Palgrave Pivot
Year: 2023
Language: English
Pages: 125
City: Cham
Foreword
Contents
Notes on Contributors
1 Introduction
Structure of the Book
A Climate of Change
The Three R’s—Reading, ’Riting and Research
Research Methodologies—Research Who?
The Ethics of Doing Research on a Sensitive Issue or with Vulnerable Populations
Looking in the Mirror
Putting It All Together
References
2 A Climate of Change
What Does It Mean to Be a Professional?
Politics and the Re-evaluation of Police Officers as Professionals
The Value of Higher Education in the Professionalisation Process
Conclusion
References
3 The Three R’s—Reading, ’Riting, and Research
Introduction
The Link
The Belief
Research
Concepts and Questions
Context
Reading
Start Reading
Reading Methods
Truth
Stop Reading
Writing
Critical Writing
Presentation
Practicality
Referencing
Format
Conclusion
References
4 Research Methodologies: Research Who?
What Is Research?
Research Methodology, Research Methods and Why You Need Them
Qualitative, Quantitative and Mixed Research Methods
Interviews
Focus Groups
Observation
Conclusion
References
5 Ethics and Considering the Risks of Desensitisation
What Are Sensitive Issues and Who Are Vulnerable Populations?
What is Ethics and Why Does It Matter?
What is the Research Question and Why Are You Asking It?
Developing Ethical Research Design
Conducting Ethical Research
Data Analysis
Dissemination and Publication
The Role of the Researcher: Sensitised and Desensitised
Conclusion
References
6 Looking in the Mirror
Introduction
The Reflective Practitioner
Police Neutrality
The Reflexive “Double Whammy” in Policing Research
Practicing Reflexively
The Research Question
Morals and Ethics
The Methodology
Conducting the Research; Methods and Literature Reviews
Data Analysis and Conclusions
Conclusion
References
7 Conclusion—Putting It All Together
Index
