Organisations of Policing

What is a centralised Policing Model?

single authority (often at the national or state level) controls policing strategies, resource allocation, and operational directives. This can ensure uniformity, streamline communication, and facilitate coordinated responses to large-scale events or threats.

What is a decentralised Policing model?

distributes authority across various local or regional entities. This allows for greater responsiveness to community needs and preferences, fostering stronger local relationships and tailored approaches to crime.

What are the core functions of the police?

• crime prevention

• law enforcement

• public order maintenance

• community assistance

what are specialised functions of the police?

• tactical response

• cybercrime units

• counter-terrorism teams

• other: k-9 unites, homicide units, drug enforcement, etc.

How has technology been integrated into the police role?

• data analytics

• body-worn cameras

• surveillance technology

• communication systems

What does accountability and oversight of the police force seek to achieve?

What are the internal mechanisms of police accountability and oversight?

• supervision

• reporting procedures

• internal investigations

What is external oversight?

External oversight refers to mechanisms outside the police organization that monitor, investigate, and hold police accountable for their actions. These mechanisms ensure transparency, protect citizens’ rights, and enhance public confidence in law enforcement by providing independent scrutiny of police conduct.

What are some examples of police external oversight?

• the judiciary

• independent statutory bodies

• civilian review bodies

• ombudsman

• human rights commissions

What is police transparency?

refers to the openness and accessibility of police operations, decisions, and policies to the public.

◦ Clear communication

◦ Release of relevant information

◦ Willingness to be held accountable

What is police integrity?

is the consistent adherence to ethical and legal standards by police officers and institutions.

◦ Honesty, fairness and professionalism

Together, transparency and integrity are essential for building public confidence, ensuring accountability, and maintaining the legitimacy of law enforcement agencies.

What is police culture?

• Police culture is a set of normative organisational principles that have the potential to inform how police officers perceive and act in their task environment (Nhan, 2014).

• Reiner (1992) defines ‘cop culture’ as police organisations that are epitomised by traditional notions of maintaining order and fighting crime.

• Police tend to view traditional crime fighting roles as masculine and more favourable and social work roles as feminine and less desirable.

• Police culture has been linked to institutional protectionism, racism, and sexism.

How is police culture challenged?

• police culture is often resistant to change

Potential methods:

• diversifying police personnel with strategic recruitment - employing more women, etc.

• increased empathy and diversity awareness training

• improved de-escalation training

• change in policing model by shifting away from a paramilitary structure to a more community-oriented structure