European Journal of Policing Studies – Jaargang 2/2 (2014) (ISSN 2034-760x)
Contents:
Introduction
A. Verhage, L. Bisschop, W. Hardyns
Articles
Investigating decision-making mechanisms and biases in Dutch criminal investigation teams by using a serious game
Jelle Groenendaal (1) en Ira Helsloot (2)
Abstract
In this article we examine by means of a serious game how ten teams of police leaders from major criminal investigation teams from five regional forces in the Netherlands, during criminal investiga-tion, deal with tunnel vision and other potential causes of flawed decision-making, described according to Naturalistic Decision-Making models. Findings show that in the serious game, the danger of tunnel vision was widely acknowledged and that a great deal of energy was wasted as a result. In addition, the teams proved susceptible to other types of decision-making pitfalls. For example, the teams searched predominantly for confirmatory evidence, unconsciously used ingrained process-related rules of thumb, and there was evidence of a form of ‘information impulsion fallacy’. The present research is an elaboration on existing literature in that it attempts to shed light on decision-making practices during criminal investigations. The study shows that a serious game can be a useful tool to uncover decision-making behaviour.
Keywords: Criminal investigation teams, decision-making, tunnel vision, naturalistic decision making
(1) Jelle Groenendaal is senior researcher at Crisislab and Ph.D candidate at the Radboud University Nijmegen. His research interests are crisis decision-making and control of front line responders.(2) Ira Helsloot is professor of the governance of safety at the Radboud University Nijmegen. He is editor of the Journal of Contingencies and Crisis Management and chair of research foundation Crisislab.
Women as Leaders in Policing: A Path Forward
Maria Koeppel (1)
Abstract
As a result of changing gender dynamics in leadership, a substantial body of literature has been dedicated to understanding differences between leadership styles and effectiveness for men and women, often finding differences between the two groups. Despite this growing body of research, there is still a substantial gap in the leadership and policing literature, specifically regarding women as leaders in policing. This paper provides an overview of the gender leadership literature both in and out of policing, as well as a succinct review of research pertaining to women as leaders in policing. Recommendations for future research are drawn from existing literature in a call for a greater understanding of the role of gender in leadership in policing.
Keywords: policing, leadership, gender
(1) Maria Koeppel received her Ph.D. in criminal justice from Sam Houston State University. Her research interests include victimology, gender, and sexual identity. Currently she is working as a research analyst for the Kansas Department of Corrections.
Guardian of Democracy?
Theoretical aspects of police roles and functions in democracy
Samuel Salzborn (1)
Abstract
In the research on democracy and democratization, there is a lack of systematic thought on the relationship between police and democracy. In this paper I argue that it is possible to go beyond empirical and historical research into police roles and functions in real-life political systems, in order to formulate a theoretical framework that outlines the specific relationships between police and democracy. Because the functions of police in democracies are clearly different from those existing under authoritarian and totalitarian regimes, it makes sense to examine these interrelationships more closely. Although the pol
European Journal of Policing Studies – Jaargang 2/2 (2014) (ISSN 2034-760x)
Contents:
Introduction
A. Verhage, L. Bisschop, W. Hardyns
Articles
Investigating decision-making mechanisms and biases in Dutch criminal investigation teams by using a serious game
Jelle Groenendaal (1) en Ira Helsloot (2)
Abstract
In this article we examine by means of a serious game how ten teams of police leaders from major criminal investigation teams from five regional forces in the Netherlands, during criminal investiga-tion, deal with tunnel vision and other potential causes of flawed decision-making, described according to Naturalistic Decision-Making models. Findings show that in the serious game, the danger of tunnel vision was widely acknowledged and that a great deal of energy was wasted as a result. In addition, the teams proved susceptible to other types of decision-making pitfalls. For example, the teams searched predominantly for confirmatory evidence, unconsciously used ingrained process-related rules of thumb, and there was evidence of a form of ‘information impulsion fallacy’. The present research is an elaboration on existing literature in that it attempts to shed light on decision-making practices during criminal investigations. The study shows that a serious game can be a useful tool to uncover decision-making behaviour.
Keywords: Criminal investigation teams, decision-making, tunnel vision, naturalistic decision making
(1) Jelle Groenendaal is senior researcher at Crisislab and Ph.D candidate at the Radboud University Nijmegen. His research interests are crisis decision-making and control of front line responders.(2) Ira Helsloot is professor of the governance of safety at the Radboud University Nijmegen. He is editor of the Journal of Contingencies and Crisis Management and chair of research foundation Crisislab.
Women as Leaders in Policing: A Path Forward
Maria Koeppel (1)
Abstract
As a result of changing gender dynamics in leadership, a substantial body of literature has been dedicated to understanding differences between leadership styles and effectiveness for men and women, often finding differences between the two groups. Despite this growing body of research, there is still a substantial gap in the leadership and policing literature, specifically regarding women as leaders in policing. This paper provides an overview of the gender leadership literature both in and out of policing, as well as a succinct review of research pertaining to women as leaders in policing. Recommendations for future research are drawn from existing literature in a call for a greater understanding of the role of gender in leadership in policing.
Keywords: policing, leadership, gender
(1) Maria Koeppel received her Ph.D. in criminal justice from Sam Houston State University. Her research interests include victimology, gender, and sexual identity. Currently she is working as a research analyst for the Kansas Department of Corrections.
Guardian of Democracy?
Theoretical aspects of police roles and functions in democracy
Samuel Salzborn (1)
Abstract
In the research on democracy and democratization, there is a lack of systematic thought on the relationship between police and democracy. In this paper I argue that it is possible to go beyond empirical and historical research into police roles and functions in real-life political systems, in order to formulate a theoretical framework that outlines the specific relationships between police and democracy. Because the functions of police in democracies are clearly different from those existing under authoritarian and totalitarian regimes, it makes sense to examine these interrelationships more closely. Although the pol
European Journal of Policing Studies – Jaargang 1/4 (2013) (ISSN 2034-760x)
Contents:
Introduction
A. Verhage, L. Bisschop, W. Hardyns
Articles
Capacity building and the Afghan National Police. Views from the frontline
G. Boyd (1) & G. Marnoch (2)
Abstract
The article reports on a study of an intelligence management capacity building programme involving
former Police Service of Northern Ireland officers mentoring members of the Afghan National
Police. The study contributes to the formative evaluation of a policy transfer based on principles and
practices developed in Northern Ireland. A short discussion of Afghanistan, policing, intelligence
management and policy transfer is provided, before attention is given to the capacity building
programme. The study is context rich drawing on qualitative data. Analysis draws on face to face
interviews conducted with mentors working with the ANP during 2010-2012. Interview questions
were broad in nature encouraging respondents to discuss implementation in their own terms.
Respondents generally concluded policy transfer was viable but were in a position to provide a great
deal of information on the Afghan context and how specific problems occurred during implementation
of the capacity building programme. Cultural issues, corruption and resource constraints
presented obstacles to the transfer as did the general absence of a bureaucratic basis for managing
the ANP. Violence and physical geography presented rather less of a problem than was anticipated.
The need to learn more about appropriate inter-personal skills in capacity building emerged as a
significant finding. Such knowledge is currently undervalued in policy transfer within the policing
sector.
Keywords: Afghanistan, intelligence, capacity, policy transfer
(1) Policing consultant and researcher.
(2) Public policy specialist and reader in policy studies at the University of Ulster.
Two systems, one challenge? Comparing legal regulation
on police co-operation
in Australia and Europe
S. Hufnagel (1)
Abstract
This article compares of legal harmonisation with a view to facilitating police cooperation in the
EU and Australia. It addresses the main processes of harmonisation and the parallel strategies
of mutual recognition and the creation broad legal frameworks in relation to both systems. The
legal analysis is complemented by interviews with practitioners in the field to assess the impact
of legal initiatives on actual police cooperation practice. It is argued that both systems have
developed distinctive strategies to promote police cooperation through legal harmonisation, but
that Australia, due to its federal political structure, has more potential to achieve harmonised and
even uniform legislation within its states. However, the strategies developed in the EU to promote
cooperation without legal harmonisation and in particular broad legal frameworks have created
a high level of regional practitioner initiative promoting bilateral and multilateral formalisation of
cooperation strategies that cannot be observed in Australia. Both entities have hence developed
distinct structures that might be relevant to the respective other system. This study is the first to
compare the Australian federal system of cooperation with the EU.
Keywords: police cooperation, legal harmonisation, Mutual Recognition, EU, Australia
(1) Lecturer in Criminal Law at Queen Mary, University of London.
International police reform
and project management. Empirical observations
on EULEX Kosovo
J. Janssens (1)
Abstract
In February 2008, the European Union (EU) launched its largest civilian crisis management operation
under its Common Security and Defence Policy:
European Journal of Policing Studies – Jaargang 1/4 (2013) (ISSN 2034-760x)
Contents:
Introduction
A. Verhage, L. Bisschop, W. Hardyns
Articles
Capacity building and the Afghan National Police. Views from the frontline
G. Boyd (1) & G. Marnoch (2)
Abstract
The article reports on a study of an intelligence management capacity building programme involving
former Police Service of Northern Ireland officers mentoring members of the Afghan National
Police. The study contributes to the formative evaluation of a policy transfer based on principles and
practices developed in Northern Ireland. A short discussion of Afghanistan, policing, intelligence
management and policy transfer is provided, before attention is given to the capacity building
programme. The study is context rich drawing on qualitative data. Analysis draws on face to face
interviews conducted with mentors working with the ANP during 2010-2012. Interview questions
were broad in nature encouraging respondents to discuss implementation in their own terms.
Respondents generally concluded policy transfer was viable but were in a position to provide a great
deal of information on the Afghan context and how specific problems occurred during implementation
of the capacity building programme. Cultural issues, corruption and resource constraints
presented obstacles to the transfer as did the general absence of a bureaucratic basis for managing
the ANP. Violence and physical geography presented rather less of a problem than was anticipated.
The need to learn more about appropriate inter-personal skills in capacity building emerged as a
significant finding. Such knowledge is currently undervalued in policy transfer within the policing
sector.
Keywords: Afghanistan, intelligence, capacity, policy transfer
(1) Policing consultant and researcher.
(2) Public policy specialist and reader in policy studies at the University of Ulster.
Two systems, one challenge? Comparing legal regulation
on police co-operation
in Australia and Europe
S. Hufnagel (1)
Abstract
This article compares of legal harmonisation with a view to facilitating police cooperation in the
EU and Australia. It addresses the main processes of harmonisation and the parallel strategies
of mutual recognition and the creation broad legal frameworks in relation to both systems. The
legal analysis is complemented by interviews with practitioners in the field to assess the impact
of legal initiatives on actual police cooperation practice. It is argued that both systems have
developed distinctive strategies to promote police cooperation through legal harmonisation, but
that Australia, due to its federal political structure, has more potential to achieve harmonised and
even uniform legislation within its states. However, the strategies developed in the EU to promote
cooperation without legal harmonisation and in particular broad legal frameworks have created
a high level of regional practitioner initiative promoting bilateral and multilateral formalisation of
cooperation strategies that cannot be observed in Australia. Both entities have hence developed
distinct structures that might be relevant to the respective other system. This study is the first to
compare the Australian federal system of cooperation with the EU.
Keywords: police cooperation, legal harmonisation, Mutual Recognition, EU, Australia
(1) Lecturer in Criminal Law at Queen Mary, University of London.
International police reform
and project management. Empirical observations
on EULEX Kosovo
J. Janssens (1)
Abstract
In February 2008, the European Union (EU) launched its largest civilian crisis management operation
under its Common Security and Defence Policy:
European Journal of Policing Studies – Jaargang 1/3 (2013) (ISSN 2034-760x)
Contents:
Introduction
A. Verhage, L. Bisschop, W. Hardyns
Articles
Modelling intelligence-led policing to identify its potential
M. den Hengst-Bruggeling (1), B. de Graaf (2) & P. van Scheepstal (3)
Abstract
Intelligence-led policing is a concept of policing that has been applied throughout the world.
Despite some encouraging reports, the effect of intelligence-led policing is largely unknown. This
paper presents a method with which it is possible to identify intelligence-led policing’s potential
to increase the effectiveness of policing. The method is based on modelling with system dynamics
and takes into account the complexities of intelligence-led policing. For evaluation purposes, this
method has been applied using a case study in the Netherlands. The case study shows that collaboratively
constructing the system dynamics model provides a more structured insight into the
effects of intelligence-led policing. With system dynamics it is possible to support the ‘good stories’
of intelligence-led policing with argumentation explaining the mechanisms in which intelligence-led
policing potentially improves effectiveness.
Keywords: System dynamics, collaboration, intelligence, police, intelligence-led policing
(1) Researcher at Delft University of Technology and the Police Academy of the Netherlands.
(2) Consultant in the area of Workplace Innovation in the expertise group Sustainable
Productivity and Employment of the Dutch research institute TNO.
(3) Operational analyst at the expertise group Military Operations of the Dutch
research institute TNO.
Physical fitness and anthropometric characteristics of graduating Norwegian Police University College students
T. Dillern (1), O. Ragnar Norheim Jenssen (2) & J. Ingebrigtsen (3)
Abstract
The aim of the study was to assess physical fitness and anthropometric characteristics of Norwegian
male and female graduating police university college students. Several fitness tests (i.e. upper
body strength, explosive leg power and endurance capacity) were conducted and anthropometric
data (i.e. body mass and stature) were collected. Compared with relevant reference groups, the
present students perform well on physical fitness tests. Moreover, this study provides a better
understanding of some of the properties forthcoming police officers obtain, and the present
findings could be valuable if one aims to further investigate the development of physical fitness
throughout police careers.
Keywords: Physical test performance, physical health, police officers, work ability
(1) Teacher at the Norwegian Police University College.
(2) Teacher at the Norwegian Police University College.
(3) Ph.D. student at the University of Nordland, Bodø, Norway.
The importance of relating theory and practice when teaching police students
P. Lagestad (1)
Abstract
The general trend of scientific and academic professionalization of practical professions, challenges
practical professions all over the world. On the basis of interviews and surveys among
police students, this study examines what police students experience to be good teaching at the
Police University College. In accordance with Dewey (1916), the results clearly demonstrate the
importance of relating theory to police practice in social science. For this reason, it is suggested
that obligatory participation in police patrols and other police work should be a requirement for
teachers in social science at the Police University College. Surprisingly, the students pointed to
engagement and to relate theory to practice as important skills of a teacher as knowledge of the
subject, to be prepared f
European Journal of Policing Studies – Jaargang 1/3 (2013) (ISSN 2034-760x)
Contents:
Introduction
A. Verhage, L. Bisschop, W. Hardyns
Articles
Modelling intelligence-led policing to identify its potential
M. den Hengst-Bruggeling (1), B. de Graaf (2) & P. van Scheepstal (3)
Abstract
Intelligence-led policing is a concept of policing that has been applied throughout the world.
Despite some encouraging reports, the effect of intelligence-led policing is largely unknown. This
paper presents a method with which it is possible to identify intelligence-led policing’s potential
to increase the effectiveness of policing. The method is based on modelling with system dynamics
and takes into account the complexities of intelligence-led policing. For evaluation purposes, this
method has been applied using a case study in the Netherlands. The case study shows that collaboratively
constructing the system dynamics model provides a more structured insight into the
effects of intelligence-led policing. With system dynamics it is possible to support the ‘good stories’
of intelligence-led policing with argumentation explaining the mechanisms in which intelligence-led
policing potentially improves effectiveness.
Keywords: System dynamics, collaboration, intelligence, police, intelligence-led policing
(1) Researcher at Delft University of Technology and the Police Academy of the Netherlands.
(2) Consultant in the area of Workplace Innovation in the expertise group Sustainable
Productivity and Employment of the Dutch research institute TNO.
(3) Operational analyst at the expertise group Military Operations of the Dutch
research institute TNO.
Physical fitness and anthropometric characteristics of graduating Norwegian Police University College students
T. Dillern (1), O. Ragnar Norheim Jenssen (2) & J. Ingebrigtsen (3)
Abstract
The aim of the study was to assess physical fitness and anthropometric characteristics of Norwegian
male and female graduating police university college students. Several fitness tests (i.e. upper
body strength, explosive leg power and endurance capacity) were conducted and anthropometric
data (i.e. body mass and stature) were collected. Compared with relevant reference groups, the
present students perform well on physical fitness tests. Moreover, this study provides a better
understanding of some of the properties forthcoming police officers obtain, and the present
findings could be valuable if one aims to further investigate the development of physical fitness
throughout police careers.
Keywords: Physical test performance, physical health, police officers, work ability
(1) Teacher at the Norwegian Police University College.
(2) Teacher at the Norwegian Police University College.
(3) Ph.D. student at the University of Nordland, Bodø, Norway.
The importance of relating theory and practice when teaching police students
P. Lagestad (1)
Abstract
The general trend of scientific and academic professionalization of practical professions, challenges
practical professions all over the world. On the basis of interviews and surveys among
police students, this study examines what police students experience to be good teaching at the
Police University College. In accordance with Dewey (1916), the results clearly demonstrate the
importance of relating theory to police practice in social science. For this reason, it is suggested
that obligatory participation in police patrols and other police work should be a requirement for
teachers in social science at the Police University College. Surprisingly, the students pointed to
engagement and to relate theory to practice as important skills of a teacher as knowledge of the
subject, to be prepared f
European Journal of Policing Studies – Jaargang 1/2 (2013) (ISSN 2034-760x)
Contents:
Introduction
A. Verhage, L. Bisschop, W. Hardyns
Articles
Professional disobedience. The impact of technology and multilevel dispatching on police practice
B. Böing (1)
Abstract
This article draws on a field experiment that took place in Amsterdam in 2012 to examine the impact of technology on police practice. The experiment consisted of four simulated robberies in which the use of the global positioning system (GPS) and short data service (SDS) were systematically varied (in a 2x2 between-subjects design) with different levels of operational command. The experiment resulted in faster coordination and less radio traffic. But this experiment also showed something else: almost all operational units displayed more or less disobedient behaviour. They deliberately deviated from orders to go to particular locations in the city to search for the suspects. In this article it is argued that this behaviour can be explained through officers’ situational awareness and the use of SDS. Additional interviews and group discussions further indicate that the lack of trust and hierarchical control may also have contributed to this behaviour. It is the question whether the findings of this study covers the current state of police practice in the Netherlands and perhaps beyond. This remains a subject for further study. The results from this experiment can be valuable for analysis in social behaviour studies among police units.
Keywords: Professional disobedience, police, GPS, SDS, situational awareness
(1) Researcher at the Amsterdam Police Department in the Netherlands.
Burnout as predictor of aggressivity among police officers
C. Queirós (1), M. Kaiseler (2) & A. Leitão da Silva (3)
Abstract
This paper aims to understand the relationship between aggressivity and burnout among police officers, more precisely, it investigates whether burnout is a predictor of aggressivity among police officers. The study focuses on the relationship between burnout and aggressivity, using regression analysis to identify aggressivity predictors. The Maslach Burnout Inventory was used to measure burnout, while the Aggression Questionnaire was used to measure aggressivity. A cross-sectional study collected data from 274 male police officers (from PSP – Portuguese Police of Public Security) exercising urban patrol tasks in Porto or Lisbon. Low burnout and moderate aggressivity levels were found, with positive significant correlations. Regression analysis reveals that burnout, more than socio-demographic characteristics, predicts 13% to 22% of aggressivity. In particular, feelings of high depersonalisation and low personal accomplishment are the burnout dimensions that most strongly explain anger and aggressivity, whereas emotional exhaustion only explains 4% of verbalaggression. The study highlights the need to develop prevention strategies of stress, aiming to avoid the development of burnout as occupational chronic stress, and decreasing the risk of developing aggressivity among police officers. Despite the wide literature in the area of police officers’ burnout and individual characteristics (e.g. aggressivity proneness as a personality trait), there is limited
research on the relationship between burnout and aggressivity. Within democratic societies where excessive use of force by police officers is criticised, aggressivity predicted by burnout reinforces the need to prevent occupational stress that leads to burnout.
Keywords: Aggressivity, burnout, police officers, patrollers, Portuguese sample
(1) Teacher in the Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences of the University of Porto, Portugal; co-director of the Psychosocial Rehabilitation Laboratory (FPCEUP/ESTSPIP
European Journal of Policing Studies – Jaargang 1/2 (2013) (ISSN 2034-760x)
Contents:
Introduction
A. Verhage, L. Bisschop, W. Hardyns
Articles
Professional disobedience. The impact of technology and multilevel dispatching on police practice
B. Böing (1)
Abstract
This article draws on a field experiment that took place in Amsterdam in 2012 to examine the impact of technology on police practice. The experiment consisted of four simulated robberies in which the use of the global positioning system (GPS) and short data service (SDS) were systematically varied (in a 2x2 between-subjects design) with different levels of operational command. The experiment resulted in faster coordination and less radio traffic. But this experiment also showed something else: almost all operational units displayed more or less disobedient behaviour. They deliberately deviated from orders to go to particular locations in the city to search for the suspects. In this article it is argued that this behaviour can be explained through officers’ situational awareness and the use of SDS. Additional interviews and group discussions further indicate that the lack of trust and hierarchical control may also have contributed to this behaviour. It is the question whether the findings of this study covers the current state of police practice in the Netherlands and perhaps beyond. This remains a subject for further study. The results from this experiment can be valuable for analysis in social behaviour studies among police units.
Keywords: Professional disobedience, police, GPS, SDS, situational awareness
(1) Researcher at the Amsterdam Police Department in the Netherlands.
Burnout as predictor of aggressivity among police officers
C. Queirós (1), M. Kaiseler (2) & A. Leitão da Silva (3)
Abstract
This paper aims to understand the relationship between aggressivity and burnout among police officers, more precisely, it investigates whether burnout is a predictor of aggressivity among police officers. The study focuses on the relationship between burnout and aggressivity, using regression analysis to identify aggressivity predictors. The Maslach Burnout Inventory was used to measure burnout, while the Aggression Questionnaire was used to measure aggressivity. A cross-sectional study collected data from 274 male police officers (from PSP – Portuguese Police of Public Security) exercising urban patrol tasks in Porto or Lisbon. Low burnout and moderate aggressivity levels were found, with positive significant correlations. Regression analysis reveals that burnout, more than socio-demographic characteristics, predicts 13% to 22% of aggressivity. In particular, feelings of high depersonalisation and low personal accomplishment are the burnout dimensions that most strongly explain anger and aggressivity, whereas emotional exhaustion only explains 4% of verbalaggression. The study highlights the need to develop prevention strategies of stress, aiming to avoid the development of burnout as occupational chronic stress, and decreasing the risk of developing aggressivity among police officers. Despite the wide literature in the area of police officers’ burnout and individual characteristics (e.g. aggressivity proneness as a personality trait), there is limited
research on the relationship between burnout and aggressivity. Within democratic societies where excessive use of force by police officers is criticised, aggressivity predicted by burnout reinforces the need to prevent occupational stress that leads to burnout.
Keywords: Aggressivity, burnout, police officers, patrollers, Portuguese sample
(1) Teacher in the Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences of the University of Porto, Portugal; co-director of the Psychosocial Rehabilitation Laboratory (FPCEUP/ESTSPIP
Panopticon – Tijdschrift voor strafrecht, criminologie en forensisch welzijnswerk – 2014 – nr. 6
Inhoudsopgave
Editoriaal
Editoriaal
Artikelen
Rubriekteksten
Panopticon – Tijdschrift voor strafrecht, criminologie en forensisch welzijnswerk – 2014 – nr. 6
Inhoudsopgave
Editoriaal
Editoriaal
Artikelen
Rubriekteksten
