Introducing Policework

Introducing Policework was published in 1988 and provided a new and concise overview of the controversial subject of policework at the time. It assessed the contributions of psychologists, social psychologists, historians, sociologists, and political scientists and how they fit within an overall understanding of policework. The book discussed key issues such as race and crime, gender, victimization, and the 'new realism', police monitoring, Neighborhood Watch, and police training initiatives.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 31 March 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Originally published in 1988, Introducing Policework provided a comprehensive and concise overview of the controversial subject of policework at the time. The authors critically evaluated the contributions made by psychologists, social psychologists, historians, sociologists, and political scientists, and assessed how these fit within an overall understanding of policework.

The book addressed various issues, including:

The process of socialization that leads to a 'cop culture'
The historical evolution of police working practices and their current impact upon social divisions such as age, gender, race, and class
Problems with the present system of accountability
The prospects for success of recent (post-Scarman) initiatives, such as community consultation

One of the remarkable achievements of this book is its ability to engage in lively and consistent discussions of key issues in the consideration of policework. These topics included:

Race and crime: The book explored the complex relationship between race and crime, examining the historical and contemporary factors contributing to racial disparities in policing and criminal justice outcomes.

Question of gender: It examined the role of gender in policework, discussing the challenges faced by women in the profession and the efforts to promote gender equality within the police force.

Victimization and the 'new realism': The book discussed the issue of victimization, exploring the experiences of victims of crime and the responses of the police to their needs. It also examined the concept of 'new realism' in policing, which emphasizes the importance of community engagement and problem-solving approaches.

Police monitoring: The book explored the various methods used by police to monitor and control communities, including Neighborhood Watch and police training initiatives.

Today, Introducing Policework serves as an intriguing look back at a critical evaluation of policework in the 1980s. It provides valuable insights into the past and helps us to understand the challenges and opportunities facing the police profession in the present day.

Dimension: 216 x 138 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032415833