Comparing Police Organizations: The Importance of National Contexts

Police citizen encounters are influenced by institutional and macro determinants, and comparative policing research provides insights into these factors. The book presents comparative studies from different geographical locations, focusing on politics, policies, and the nature of police work and the legitimacy of policing. Cross-state and cross-society research is necessary to understand variations in the macro context in which police forces operate and the impact of policing on citizens and police officers.

Format: Hardback
Length: 200 pages
Publication date: 15 February 2024
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Police citizen encounters are intricately intertwined with the broader context of police systems worldwide, which exhibit both similarities and differences that warrant further exploration. Comparative policing emerges as a cutting-edge field of research, striving to integrate the institutional and/or macro determinants of police strategy, offering valuable insights into the circumstances that shape these strategies. This comprehensive volume showcases how lessons and insights arise from adopting a comparative approach to policing research across diverse regions of the world. It highlights the explanatory power of cross-national studies, particularly in the domains of politics, policies, and the nature of police work and the legitimacy of policing.

The book presents a rich tapestry of comparative studies from various geographical locations, including Latin and Central America, Africa, India, and Europe. These studies shed light on a range of topics, such as:

Police worker politics in India and Brazil: Examining the dynamics and complexities of police politics within these two countries, including the role of unions, professional associations, and political influences.

Police, non-state security actors, and political legitimacy in central America: Exploring the interplay between state-sanctioned security forces, organized crime, and political legitimacy in regions such as Mexico and Central America.

Trust in the police and the militarization of law enforcement in Latin America: Analyzing the factors contributing to trust in the police and the extent to which law enforcement agencies have adopted militarized approaches to policing.

The origins of police legitimacy in Europe: Investigating the historical, cultural, and legal factors that have shaped the legitimacy of police institutions in Europe, including the role of democratic oversight and public trust.

How organizational contexts matter by analyzing police-adolescent encounters in France and Germany: Examining the impact of organizational factors, such as police culture and training, on police-adolescent encounters and their outcomes.

Legitimacy and cooperation with the police in two African states: Analyzing the factors that contribute to legitimacy and cooperation with the police in African countries, including the role of community-based policing and social cohesion.

Cross-state and cross-society research is crucial in expanding our understanding of the macro context in which police forces operate, the implications of policing for citizens, and the experiences of police officers as professional workers. This insightful volume serves as a valuable resource for scholars and researchers in the fields of policing, criminology, sociology, and law.

Originally published as the inaugural volume of Comparative Policing Review / Policing and Society, this book has made significant contributions to the field of comparative policing. It has been embraced by scholars and researchers alike, contributing to our collective understanding of the complex dynamics and challenges faced by police systems across the globe.

Weight: 560g
Dimension: 246 x 174 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032688756