Researching cross-border interorganizational collaboration in crime control: Grounded theory, co-creation and qualitative methods

• In Event: Contemporary criminological challleges & qualitative methodology

Abstract

Research into interorganizational collaboration among public sector organizations across the border is still in its infancy and in relation to crime control almost non-existing. This makes research into this problematic academically and socially highly relevant. This paper discusses the research approach and results from an ongoing research project (2023-2026) that concentrates on the cross-border Euregion Meuse-Rhine (EMR). Cross-border crimes in this region are a severe and structural problem, with drugs crimes, human trafficking, burglary, robbery and theft a daily reality for the designated municipalities, police forces and public prosecution services.

Since there are no primary data informing us on the collaboration experiences of police forces, public prosecution services, and municipalities, the research uses a grounded theory approach. The developing theory and explanatory model will thus be grounded in new, mainly qualitative, data. Following a core requirement in grounded theory, this project collects rich data from multiple methods, such as in-depth interviews, semi-structured interviews and creative focus groups. A survey at the start of the project provided direction for the various qualitative components that build on each other’s insights. In addition, the project has the structural involvement of the participating partners in all phases of the research.

Joining debates in criminology on the underrepresentation and marginalization of qualitative research, our paper will discuss the necessity for qualitative participatory research that places the voice of the actors involved in crime control centre stage. Analysing the lived experiences of research participants from different organizations and from different countries, is complex and will be addressed as well. Nevertheless, such qualitative insights are needed to advance our understanding of complex multi-level and multi-actor collaborations in crime control such as those encountered in this project and might inspire novel conversations in criminology.

Authors

• Juliette Koning, Maastricht University

• Math Noortmann, Maastricht University

• Adela Aliyeva, Maastricht University