Police Practice and Research 

About: Police Practice and Research is an academic journal published by Taylor & Francis. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Law enforcement & Community policing. It has an ISSN identifier of 1477-271X. Over the lifetime, 906 publications have been published receiving 14346 citations. The journal is also known as: PPR & Police practice and research.

The Hotspot Matrix: A Framework for the Spatio‐Temporal Targeting of Crime Reduction

Abstract: The growth of intelligence‐led policing has placed even greater emphasis on the clear identification of crime hotspots as well as the choice of the crime reduction or detection strategy identified to combat a problem. Crime hotspots are becoming central to policing strategy in many locations, as they enable an operational commander to focus resources into the areas of highest need. This paper outlines the techniques used to identify the spatial and temporal components of crime hotspots, and utilizes these methods to identify three broad categories of temporal hotspot and three broad categories of spatial hotspot. These categories are described in the form of a Hotspot Matrix. Real examples show how the spatial and temporal characteristics combine within the hotspot matrix, and the paper concludes by showing how operational commanders and crime prevention practitioners might employ the hotspot matrix to determine an appropriate prevention or detection strategy.

Defining Terrorism: Is One Man's Terrorist another Man's Freedom Fighter?

Abstract: Most researchers tend to believe that an objective and internationally accepted definition of terrorism can never be agreed upon; after all, they say, 'one man's terrorist is another man's freedom fighter.' The question of who is a terrorist, according to this school of thought, depends entirely on the subjective outlook of the definer. This article argues that an objective definition of terrorism is not only possible; it is also indispensable to any serious attempt to combat terrorism. A correct and objective definition of terrorism can be based upon accepted international laws and principles regarding what behaviors are permitted in conventional wars between nations. This normative principle relating to a state of war between two countries can be extended without difficulty to a conflict between a nongovernmental organization and a state. This extended version would thus differentiate between guerrilla warfare and terrorism. The aims of terrorism and guerrilla warfare may well be identical; but they are...

Corruption and the Blue Code of Silence

Abstract: This paper examines the 'Blue Code of Silence' and its contribution to police corruption. After offering evidence for the existence of such a code, the paper locates the origins of the code in the work and culture of policing. The paper also examines cases, commission reports and an original case study to understand how the code is reinforced. Based on 'participant observation' research of the New York County Prosecutor's Official Corruption Unit, the paper also illustrates how the code impedes investigations by police overseers. Finally, the paper discusses various measures to address the code of silence.

The Diffusion of Computerized Crime Mapping in Policing: Linking Research and Practice

Abstract: In this paper we examine the diffusion of computerized crime mapping drawing upon a more general approach to the ‘diffusion of innovations’ pioneered by Everett Rogers in 1995. We use data from the Law Enforcement Management and Administrative Statistics (LEMAS) survey and the Crime Mapping Research Center at the National Institute of Justice to define the basic pattern of adoption of computerized crime mapping in larger American police agencies. As we illustrate in our paper, these surveys suggest that larger police agencies have adopted computerized crime mapping at a rapid pace. We supplement these data with a pilot study of adoption of computerized crime mapping that shows a continuing rapid adoption curve through 2001, and that illustrates that crime mapping innovation follows a period of crisis of confidence in standard American police practices. We also find that the widespread adoption of computerized crime mapping follows research evidence regarding the effectiveness of hot spots policing approac...

Ending the ‘dialogue of the deaf’: evidence and policing policies and practices. An Australian case study

Abstract: In this paper two current police research traditions are examined, the critical police research and policy police research, as they have evolved in the USA, the UK, and in Australia. Each tradition has developed a typical pattern of relationship between researchers and police practitioners, but both suffered from what we call the ‘dialogue of the deaf.’ While acknowledging the continuing importance of each approach to police research, we suggest the need for a third new approach to be developed in which academics and police work in close and continuous collaborative relationships.