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
European Journal of Policing Studies – Jaargang 1/1 (2013) (ISSN 2034-760x)
Contents:
Introduction
Antoinette Verhage, Lieselot Bisschop and Wim Hardyns
Articles
How to Police a Porous Fortress?
Monica den Boer (1)
Abstract
The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the way in which the European Union has gradually but steadily built a security architecture based on the control of mobility and borders. Different logics of policing are interwoven in several projects, which are strongly interdependent with technological innovation. Furthermore, the European policing of mobility is primarily performed by mounting surveillance – both inside and beyond European borders – by means of which all forms of movement (transactions, travelling, etc.) are subjected to intensive monitoring by multiple actors who are interlinked through strategies and systems. The main finding is that border policing is shifting in a fundamental way from fixed to fluid, from territorial to virtual, and from physical to technological. Hence, paradoxically, though mobility is strongly promoted as one of the main
virtues of the European Union, Europe’s precautionary protection may be at ill-ease with the free movement of people. The article seeks to stimulate the knowledge and debate about deeper shifts in Europe’s security apparatus and develops this from a law enforcement perspective.
Keywords: Europe; borders; security; mobility; technology
(1) Academic Dean at the Police Academy of The Netherlands, Member of the Committee on European Integration of the Advisory Council on International Affairs and Visiting Professor at the College of Europe in Bruges.
Police Science in Germany: History and New Perspectives
Joachim Kersten (1) and Ansgar Burchard (2)
Abstract
In the German speaking academic world Police Science (Polizeiwissenschaft) is a fairly new and little known area of social science. Accordingly, the academic status of police science is anything but firmly established but rather at a ‘hybrid’ stage of development. The very combination of policing and academic study/research seems to remain largely incompatible not only to police managers but also to main stream sociology. German police science differs substantially from the Anglo-American-Australian approach. One main difference pertains to legal traditions, others are due to historical and cultural developments that will be taken up in this descriptive essay. However, Anglo-American-Australian police theories have a lot to offer to German and European police scientists and this will be demonstrated. For a future common approach to an evolving European police science similar descriptions will be required from other European countries to establish a comparative foundation of joint EU police studies. Some of the principal dimensions of such a comparison will be sketched in this essay. It concludes with a presentation of empirically based police studies carried out by instructors and Master students at the newly founded German Police University in Münster. Topics are media coverage of clashes between police and demonstrators, a typology of third party intervention in cases of assault in public places and COREPOL (EU FP7), a comparative security research project aiming at an improvement of police-minority relations through means of restorative justice programs.
Keywords: Police Science in Germany; accountability; YouTube; public relations; Facebook; civil courage; violent assaults
(1) Professor and Head of Department of the Department of Police Science at the German Police University (Germany), DAAD Professor at Northwestern University, and guest professor in Maastricht/NL, in Sydney/Australia, and in Tokyo/Japan.
(2) Senior Researcher for ‘COREPOL’ (EU FP7).
The Roots and Routes to Compliance and Citizens’ Cooperation with the
European Journal of Policing Studies – Jaargang 1/1 (2013) (ISSN 2034-760x)
Contents:
Introduction
Antoinette Verhage, Lieselot Bisschop and Wim Hardyns
Articles
How to Police a Porous Fortress?
Monica den Boer (1)
Abstract
The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the way in which the European Union has gradually but steadily built a security architecture based on the control of mobility and borders. Different logics of policing are interwoven in several projects, which are strongly interdependent with technological innovation. Furthermore, the European policing of mobility is primarily performed by mounting surveillance – both inside and beyond European borders – by means of which all forms of movement (transactions, travelling, etc.) are subjected to intensive monitoring by multiple actors who are interlinked through strategies and systems. The main finding is that border policing is shifting in a fundamental way from fixed to fluid, from territorial to virtual, and from physical to technological. Hence, paradoxically, though mobility is strongly promoted as one of the main
virtues of the European Union, Europe’s precautionary protection may be at ill-ease with the free movement of people. The article seeks to stimulate the knowledge and debate about deeper shifts in Europe’s security apparatus and develops this from a law enforcement perspective.
Keywords: Europe; borders; security; mobility; technology
(1) Academic Dean at the Police Academy of The Netherlands, Member of the Committee on European Integration of the Advisory Council on International Affairs and Visiting Professor at the College of Europe in Bruges.
Police Science in Germany: History and New Perspectives
Joachim Kersten (1) and Ansgar Burchard (2)
Abstract
In the German speaking academic world Police Science (Polizeiwissenschaft) is a fairly new and little known area of social science. Accordingly, the academic status of police science is anything but firmly established but rather at a ‘hybrid’ stage of development. The very combination of policing and academic study/research seems to remain largely incompatible not only to police managers but also to main stream sociology. German police science differs substantially from the Anglo-American-Australian approach. One main difference pertains to legal traditions, others are due to historical and cultural developments that will be taken up in this descriptive essay. However, Anglo-American-Australian police theories have a lot to offer to German and European police scientists and this will be demonstrated. For a future common approach to an evolving European police science similar descriptions will be required from other European countries to establish a comparative foundation of joint EU police studies. Some of the principal dimensions of such a comparison will be sketched in this essay. It concludes with a presentation of empirically based police studies carried out by instructors and Master students at the newly founded German Police University in Münster. Topics are media coverage of clashes between police and demonstrators, a typology of third party intervention in cases of assault in public places and COREPOL (EU FP7), a comparative security research project aiming at an improvement of police-minority relations through means of restorative justice programs.
Keywords: Police Science in Germany; accountability; YouTube; public relations; Facebook; civil courage; violent assaults
(1) Professor and Head of Department of the Department of Police Science at the German Police University (Germany), DAAD Professor at Northwestern University, and guest professor in Maastricht/NL, in Sydney/Australia, and in Tokyo/Japan.
(2) Senior Researcher for ‘COREPOL’ (EU FP7).
The Roots and Routes to Compliance and Citizens’ Cooperation with the