Interpreting Policework: Policy and Practice in Forms of Beat Policing

The 1980s saw a debate over the purposes, objectives, and relations of police organizations with society. This book combines theoretical analysis with descriptive material to provide a new general conception of policework. It was relevant to students and researchers in police studies, sociology, public policy, and the law, and will still be of historical interest today.

Format: Hardback
Length: 322 pages
Publication date: 31 March 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

In the 1980s, a profound and often contentious debate unfolded regarding the purposes, objectives, structures, and relationships of police organizations with the broader society. To understand policework, one must adopt a comprehensive perspective that encompasses a thorough critique of the major theoretical trends in police sociology, as well as a deep familiarity with the actual patterns of policing observed on the streets streets, in stations, and within the police headquarters where key policies are formulated.

Originally published in 1987, this book stands out for its remarkable achievement in seamlessly merging rigorous theoretical analysis with a wealth of descriptive material derived from firsthand observation of policing and decision-making at various levels. By bridging the gap between sociological theory and practice and engaging with the political debates of the time, the book offers a fresh and insightful perspective on policework.

The introduction provides a comprehensive analysis of the central theoretical and political strands in police sociology, proposing a novel and comprehensive conception of policework. The authors then illustrate this conception through vivid examples drawn from the worlds of uniformed unit beat patrols and resident beat officers, as well as from the forums where operational policy is considered. A final section draws broader lessons from these concrete analyses, highlighting their relevance for sociological theory and our understanding of past policy shifts from one form of beatwork to another. It also spells out the radical implications of the study for the political debate on the future of policing.

Interpreting Policework held significant relevance for students and researchers in police studies, sociology, public policy, and the law during its publication, and continues to hold historical interest today. The authors, with their extensive experience in investigating a wide range of criminological and social issues, bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the book, making it a valuable resource for those seeking to understand the complexities of policing and its impact on society.

Weight: 780g
Dimension: 216 x 138 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032417790