NCJ Number
203673
Date Published
2003
Length
33 pages
Annotation
This chapter reviews some of the divergent forms and processes of policing in the United Kingdom, with attention to some of the issues associated with the diverse providers of policing and their inter-relationships.
Abstract
The chapter begins by presenting a framework within which to conceptualize policing. It then profiles the broader sociopolitical context in which modern policing and its study are evolving. An overview of policing beyond the traditional form of monopolistic state-supported public policing is presented under four topics: specialist policing, municipal policing, civilian policing, and commercial policing. The chapter then examines some of the economic and technological factors that are spurring developments in commercial policing, as well as some of the themes stimulated by the marketing of policing and security. The chapter concludes with an assessment of the emerging relationship between the professional police and other forms of policing. The author advises that the future shape of policing will depend upon the way in which the professional police adapt to a context in which they are no longer perceived as a monopolistic provider of security. What distinguishes the professional police in the new division of labor is the generalist nature of their work and their symbolic role. They are often a resource of last resort to be consulted when expedient and necessary to resolve a conflict that cannot be handled by other policing agencies for various reasons. The pressing issues for the future relates to the effective coordination of diverse policing efforts and the manner in which plural policing arrangements and networks are managed for the benefit of the public. This requires the creation of institutional means for connecting diverse policing activities so they are accountable to the public for equitable and fair policing practices. 20 notes and 111 references