Emerald | Policing: An International Journal of Police Strategies & Management | Table of Contents

A composite index of citizen satisfaction with local police services

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Nicky Rogge, Marijn Verschelde) — Fri, 24 May 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to propose a non-parametric methodology to construct composite scores of citizen satisfaction with local police services. More precisely, the paper advocates a custom made version of the popular Data Envelopment Analysis approach, also referred to as the “Benefit-of-the-Doubt” model. The key advantage of this approach is that it weights the citizen satisfaction rates with the multiple local police functions and tasks into the composite score in an endogenous manner, thereby allowing for different values and interpretations of “good local policing” among police services. The methodology is illustrated with citizen satisfaction data on a sample of Belgian local police services. Design/methodology/approach – The paper develops a multidimensional measure of local police effectiveness based on citizen satisfaction measures. It uses a non-parametric evaluation methodology related to the popular DEA-model. The paper looks for strengths and weaknesses in the performances of local police services both at the micro level (per local police service) and at the macro level (region). Findings – With an average overall satisfaction score of 91.94 per cent, it seems safe to say that the majority of the citizens are generally satisfied with local police services. The BoD-model identifies per local police service the basic functionalities that citizens rated relatively highly and poorly. Results show that urbanization per se does not drive the satisfaction scores of the participating local police services. Of much more importance are the regional disparities. Participating local police zones in Flanders receive higher satisfaction scores than those in the Walloon Region (the two big regions in Belgium). One of the findings is that the BoD-model offers both conceptual and practical advantages in the evaluations of local police services. BoD grants each police service the benefit-of-the-doubt in the effectiveness evaluations. The BoD-model also identifies the factors of strength and weakness that explain the citizen satisfaction scores. Originality/value – To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first time that multidimensional scores of citizen satisfaction are used in the effectiveness evaluations of local police services. The paper uses a methodology that accounts for the own particular circumstances of the local police services (by assigning in an endogenous manner weights in the evaluations).

Reference data and geocoding quality: Examining completeness and positional accuracy of street geocoded crime incidents

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Timothy C. Hart, Paul A. Zandbergen) — Fri, 24 May 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the influence of reference data, input address quality, and crime type on completeness and positional accuracy of street geocoded crime events. Design/methodology/approach – Existing data were analyzed using ArcGIS, including crime incident information, street network reference data, and address point and/or parcel reference data. Geocoding completeness was determined by the overall match rate. Positional accuracy was determined by comparing the Euclidian distance between street geocoded locations of crime events to the corresponding address point/parcel geocoded location. Findings – Results indicate that match rates vary by reference data, input address quality, and crime type. Local street centerline files consistently produced match rates that were as good as – and in many cases superior to – other types of reference data, including commercial data. Greater variability in positional accuracy was observed across reference data when crime type and input address quality was considered, but results were consistent with positional accuracy analysis conducted using data from other disciplines. Practical implications – Results provide researchers and practitioners with valuable guidance and insight into one of the most basic – albeit fundamental – procedures related to the spatio-temporal analysis of crime, suggesting that reference data required to produce geocoded crime incidents successfully and of high quality does not necessarily mean a large financial investment on the part of law enforcement agencies or researchers interested in the geospatial analysis of crime. Originality/value – Prior to this investigation, a comprehensive examination of the impact of data quality on geocoded crime events was absent from the literature.

Implementation of a police organizational model for crime reduction

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Rachel B. Santos) — Fri, 24 May 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose – This paper aims to present the evaluation results of a practice-based research partnership to develop and implement a new police organizational model for crime reduction into one police agency which was implemented based on the best practices of problem-oriented policing, hot spots policing, and Compstat. Design/methodology/approach – A qualitative process evaluation of organizational changes and an impact evaluation examining specific crime types was conducted over seven years to determine increased efficiency, collaboration, and effectiveness of the police department's crime reduction strategies. Findings – The process evaluation found that the agency improved its crime analysis capabilities as well as its coordination and communication, expanded its problem solving activities, and made a significant cultural shift towards incorporating problem solving and accountability throughout the organization. The impact evaluation found that the crimes addressed in the implementation – theft from vehicle – did decrease overall and when compared to other crime types and to neighboring jurisdictions. Research limitations/implications – The limitations of the research are that these results are from one agency and that the impact evaluation is not conclusive. Originality/value – The work was carried out over seven years in which the collaboration between the researcher and the agency was seminal. The model developed can be used by other police departments, and a key finding was that strong leadership played the most important role in the implementation of the crime reduction strategies and accountability practices.

Improving police training from a cognitive load perspective

Fri, 24 May 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present a theoretical framework, which describes how police training programs can be developed in order to improve learning retention and the transfer of skills to the work environment. Design/methodology/approach – A brief review is provided that describes training strategies stemming from Cognitive Load Theory (CLT), a well-established theory of instructional design. This is followed by concrete examples of how to incorporate these strategies into police training programs. Findings – The research reviewed in this paper consistently demonstrates that CLT-informed training improves learning when compared to conventional training approaches and enhances the transferability of skills. Originality/value – Rarely have well-validated theories of instructional design, such as CLT, been applied specifically to police training. Thus, this paper is valuable to instructional designers because it provides an evidence-based approach to training development in the policing domain.

Overcoming cop culture? Organizational justice and police officers’ attitudes toward the public

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Andy Myhill, Ben Bradford) — Fri, 24 May 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to test theories of organizational justice in the context of a police agency. Design/methodology/approach – Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) was used to analyze data from a survey of officers in a police force in England. Findings – The SEM showed that organizational justice was associated with positive attitudes towards serving members of the public. This relationship was mediated by commitment to elements of community policing and, for community police officers, by general satisfaction with the organization. Practical implications – The findings suggest that police managers committed to implementing process-based policing policies may need to ensure their organizations also implement internal policies and practices that are procedurally fair. Originality/value – This study is one of the first to apply the well established literature on organizational justice to the context of policing, and the first to examine the impact of organizational justice on alignment with community policing and the service model.

Policing the homeless: policy, practice, and perceptions

Fri, 24 May 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose – The homeless are a common sight in many cities and their actions frequently bring them into contact with the police. However, little is known about police policy and the homeless. The aim of this research was to examine policy, practices, and perceptions of the police and the homeless. Design/methodology/approach – A survey was mailed to 100 police departments in the United States to gather information about their policies, resources, and amount of contact with the homeless. A Chi square statistical analysis was conducted to assist in comparing departments on key issues. In addition, interviews were conducted with police officers and homeless individuals to gain further insight into their perceptions and experiences. Findings – Policing issues with the homeless were examined by size of the department, municipality, and size of the population served. Law enforcement agencies of all sizes and jurisdictions encountered homeless individuals. Large municipal agencies had the most frequent contact, and provided the most services. However, these departments did not have significantly more training or information provided to officers regarding the homeless. The narratives from the interviews revealed a level of frustration and feelings of being burdened from officers, and a sense of being harassed and targeted from the homeless. Research limitations/implications – The survey was only conducted with 100 departments as a pilot study, and the interviews were only conducted in one city. Future research would extend the survey to more departments and gather more information from officers and homeless individuals. Originality/value – Results from the present work advance our understanding of the relatively under-studied relations and social dynamics between law enforcement and the homeless – providing both a qualitative and quantitative assessment. There are several policy recommendations for law enforcement administrators and organizations that assist the homeless.

Supervisor-officer fit and role ambiguity: Re-assessing the nature of the sergeant-officer attitudinal relationship

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Jason R. Ingram) — Fri, 24 May 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to re-examine the nature of the sergeant-officer attitudinal relationship. Using person-environment fit as a framework, the current study tests the influence that sergeant-officer attitudinal congruence concerning role orientations has on officer role ambiguity. Design/methodology/approach – The study uses survey data from 765 patrol officers and 146 sergeants across five police departments. Polynomial regression, calculated values, and response surface plots were used to examine the effect of sergeant-officer attitudinal congruence on role ambiguity. Findings – First, there was modest empirical evidence that the relationship between sergeant and officer views toward order maintenance and role ambiguity was nonlinear. Second, role ambiguity was lowest for officers supervised by sergeants who highly accepted order maintenance activities. Finally, role ambiguity was higher when both officers and sergeants failed to view order maintenance and law enforcement as important functions of the police role. Research limitations/implications – The findings highlight the need to incorporate additional research approaches that capture differences in officer and sergeant views toward police work. Such differences might impact other attitudinal outcomes or officer discretionary behaviors. Practical implications – When looking at attitudinal congruence, the results show that sergeants have the capacity to attenuate or amplify officer role ambiguity. This emphasizes the need for police administrators to ensure that sergeants communicate job expectations to their subordinate officers that are in line with the department's values. Originality/value – The study adds to the limited body of research on frontline supervision by examining the nature of the sergeant-officer attitudinal relationship from an alternative theoretical approach.

Colombian police under fire: image, corruption and controls

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Juan Carlos Ruiz Väsquez) — Fri, 24 May 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to discuss the extent and impact of corruption on public trust and on the stability of the Colombian police. The effectiveness of public controls, civilian oversight, and overseeing bodies is evaluated to determine the degree of impunity and the level of independence from other agencies of control. Design/methodology/approach – The research in this study is based on data analyses of surveys, interviews, and an observational approach. This paper considers four general surveys, namely: Latinobarómetro, Iberobarómetro, Global Corruption Barometer, Corruption Perception Indexes, and World Values Survey. The observation consisted of accompanying Bogotá police department teams for two months during the evenings between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. This study draws upon 20 interviews with police officers of all ranks. Additionally, an informal observation of police activities during the night was carried out to discover the occurrence of corruption, which was impossible to reveal by a more formal observation. Findings – Although corruption in the Colombian police force is presumably a generalized phenomenon, it is still one of the most appreciated agencies among Colombians. However, scandals have been cleverly mitigated by rhetoric and apparent purges and the setting-up of inoffensive mechanisms of control. Internal inspection and civilian oversight have been weakened – rendered ineffective by an increasingly powerful police leadership. Research limitations/implications – Since corruption is a concealed phenomenon, its analysis always causes problems. Police officers are reluctant to talk about the problem and there is an organizational denial of the phenomenon. Originality/value – The paucity of academic research on police forces in Latin America is still apparent and the field of study lacks a real degree of specialization. Similarly, there has been no empirical examination of issues pertaining to the study of the modern Colombian force. This paper thus attempts to compensate for the lack of empirical research on the Colombian police. It contributes to the overall literature on police corruption by explaining the organizational features of bribing and police corruption on the beat.

Police officer acceptance of new innovation: the case of crisis intervention teams

Fri, 24 May 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the predictors of officer attitudes toward Crisis Intervention Teams, a new innovation designed to improve police response to people with mental illnesses. Design/methodology/approach – The current study uses data from a larger study of the Chicago Police Department (CPD) Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) program. CIT and Non-CIT officers were surveyed in four districts. To examine the predictors of officer perceptions of crisis intervention teams, OLS regression is used. Findings – Neither CIT nor non-CIT officers seem to show the kinds of negative views of CIT that have undercut other social welfare based police innovations. Among CIT trained officers, those who had the opportunity to practice their new skills by responding to mental health related calls for service had more positive attitudes toward the program than those who did not. Originality/value – This paper adds to both the Crisis Intervention Team and innovation literatures by examining an important aspect of the CIT implementation process. A model is developed that explores the correlates of officer support for the innovation and the conditions necessary for its successful implementation.

Curbing nuisance motels: an evaluation of police as place regulators

Fri, 24 May 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose – This paper aims to evaluate a problem-oriented policing project that used regulatory policy to foster responsible place management among operators of nuisance motels located in Southern California. Design/methodology/approach – A mixed-methodological approach was used to ensure that a comprehensive assessment captured substantive outcomes, as well as implementation issues and displacement effects. Findings – Each component of the initiative generated some success, with the greatest crime reduction achieved when all motels were in full compliance with the permit-to-operate ordinance. Consistency in key project staff was critical to maintaining program integrity. Research limitations/implications – The displacement analysis suggests that crime prevention evaluations would benefit from a facilities orientation that identifies locations that might host crime if the targeted sites are rendered inopportune. And, net effects can be applied to facilities research using standardized crime rates. Practical implications – Ends-based regulatory policy offers law enforcement an alternative to conventional crime control strategies. Responsibility for crime prevention can be shifted to place managers to reduce the incidents of crime and disorder (reported and unreported to police). Ancillary benefits include better city-industry communication and more efficient use of city resources. Originality/value – This research is valuable to police agencies considering the use of ordinances to address crime and disorder problems plaguing risky facilities.

Review of Policing Issues: Challenges and Controversies

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Matthew J. Hickman) — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100

National Do Not Call Registry

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100

The new reality of cyber war

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100

PHow can we deter cyber terrorism?

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (David N. Khey) — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100

Cyber war will not take place

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Vincenzo A. Sainato) — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100

Editorial

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Wesley G. Jennings and Lorie Fridell) — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100