Changing Styles of Provision in Frontline Police Roles in England

Session Submission Type: Complete Thematic Panel

Abstract

Recent years have witnessed marked changes in the styles and texture of policing provision. Like many other countries around the world, the police in England and Wales have been increasingly willing to seek out alternatives to traditional policing approaches and staffing models in an effort to improve responsiveness and ensure cost-effectiveness in all areas of its business. The papers in this panel variously explore the impact of recent changes in styles of policing, including shifts towards privatization and civilianization, on frontline areas of police work, specifically, police custody and criminal investigation. The growing significance of the roles now being undertaken by non-warranted (non-sworn) members of police personnel and the private sector raise important questions about the sustainability of traditional conceptions of authority and ‘professional’ mandates in frontline areas of work. Research findings also draw attention to the blurring of occupational boundaries and orientations in policing with the private sector seemingly having adopted an increasing prominent position in the delivery of ‘core’ areas of police work.

Sub Unit

• Area VIII: Policing / 51: Police Organizational Issues

Individual Presentations

• Power, Policing Agents and Police Custody: Findings from Phase 2 of the 'Good' Police Custody Study - Layla Skinns, University of Sheffield, UK; Lindsey Jade Rice, University of Sheffield

• Changing Cultural Orientations within Mixed Economy Police Custody Settings: Findings from Phase 2 of the 'Good' Police Custody Study - Lindsey Jade Rice, University of Sheffield; Layla Skinns, University of Sheffield, UK

• The Changing Nature of Detective Work - Matthew Bacon, University of Sheffield (UK); Lindsey Jade Rice, University of Sheffield

Chair

• Adam Crawford, University of Leeds