Ethnography and the Evocative World of Policing

This book explores the unique contribution of police ethnographies to our understanding of policing cultures and practices in international settings. It features contemporary examples of ethnographic work and discusses whether ethnographers do too much with rather than on the police.

Format: Hardback
Length: 234 pages
Publication date: 04 December 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This captivating book delves into the profound impact of police ethnographies on our understanding of policing cultures and practices across diverse international contexts. It showcases contemporary examples of ethnographic research that highlight the enduring significance of ethnographic inquiry in unraveling the complexities of policing.

The first section of the book focuses on the police and Anglo-American policing, providing a comprehensive examination of the historical, cultural, and social factors that shape policing practices in these regions. Through detailed case studies and ethnographic accounts, the authors shed light on the role of the police in maintaining social order, combating crime, and upholding the law.

The second section of the book takes a global perspective, expanding our understanding of policing beyond the traditional confines of the police force. Chapters explore police interactions during stop-and-search operations, at carnivals, behind the scenes in control rooms, and in the realm of intelligence gathering. The authors also delve into the experiences of new recruits, the stories shared in canteens, and the world of private security agencies, taking readers to Kenya and Vietnam.

Throughout the book, the authors raise thought-provoking questions about the role of ethnographers in their research. They explore whether ethnography leads to an excessive focus on the police rather than on the broader social and cultural contexts in which policing occurs. They also examine whether ethnographic work primarily reveals more about the academics conducting the research than about the officers they study.

Collectively, the chapters in this book offer a rich and evocative portrayal of the changing policing landscape. They provide valuable insights into the complex dynamics between police officers, the communities they serve, and the broader societal implications of policing practices. Ethnography and the Evocative World of Policing serves as a crucial resource for scholars, researchers, and practitioners in the fields of policing, criminology, sociology, law, and research methods. It offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to understanding the complexities of policing and contributes to the ongoing dialogue on police reform and accountability.

Weight: 620g
Dimension: 246 x 174 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032595887