NCJ Number
81164
Journal
Police Research Bulletin Issue: 37 Dated: (Autumn 1981) Pages: 19-25
Date Published
1981
Length
7 pages
Annotation
The organizational structure and responsibilities of the Police Research Services Unit (PRSU) of the Home Office of the British police are described.
Abstract
The PRSU plays a major role in police research and development. Since the Home Office represents a conglomerate of 51 police forces, the PRSU is made up of senior and middle-ranking police officers with wide background experience covering all major aspects of police work who are selected from all forces in the United Kingdom. The principal responsibility of the unit is to advise and assist departments of the Home Office involved in research and development on behalf of the police service and to provide liaison between the Police Scientific Development Branch scientists and police forces. They identify police research requirements and obtain the police forces involved in operational computer applications and carrying out research into police orgainzation management, resource allocation, and effectiveness. They develop, evaluate, and obtain consensus evaluation of equipment for police use; provide a scientific support unit to aid forces at serious operations situations; provide a tape laboratory service; and cooperate with the the forensic science service in fingerprint research. In order to carry out these tasks, the PRSU is organized into four groups: the equipment group; the operational computer group; the crime group; and the organization, management, and information group. Officers serve in the PRSU in 2-year assignments, which provide them with a broad knowledge of the latest developments in police-related technology, organizational methods, and the workings of various police forces, as well as the Home Office itself. One chart is provided.