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Introduction to Policing
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Introduction to Policing

Fourth Edition
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Criminal Justice | Police Studies

November 2023 | 368 pages | SAGE Publications Ltd
An extremely valuable source of reading, information, and guidance for my policing students. It covers all the topical issues.
Johannes Oosthuizen – Lecturer at Winchester University

Introducing the definitive guide for students and professionals alike who want to gain a comprehensive understanding of policing in the 21st century. This updated edition of Introduction to Policing reflects the latest developments in policing and offers a rigorous yet accessible overview of the historical origins and theories of policing, the functions of police organisations, and the challenges and controversies facing policing today.

With an emphasis on critical thinking and analysis, Rowe encourages readers to consider different perspectives and to engage with key debates around policing, such as ‘who guards the guards’ and ‘the implications of police culture’, helping them to develop a more nuanced understanding of this complex field. The clear writing style, engaging case studies, and helpful study aids make this book an invaluable resource for students and professionals alike.

Key features include:

Revised and expanded discussion of racism and police culture, and new coverage of the development of antiracist policing 
Updated examples reflecting contemporary criticisms of policing, such as the cases of Sarah Everard and George Floyd
Expanded discussion of key debates, including the ‘defund the police’ movement, and the use of technology and digital policing, including Smart Policing, drones, and body-worn cameras 
Learning objectives, key terms, review questions, and annotated further readings in every chapter will help you to engage with the material and consolidate your learning

Michael Rowe is Professor of Criminology at Northumbria University 
Liam Ralph is Assistant Professor of Criminology at Northumbria University
Ali Malik is Lecturer in Criminal Justice at University of Leeds
 
 
Chapter One: What is policing?
 
Chapter Two: Historical origins and development of the police in England and Wales
 
Chapter Three: Police Powers: the legal framework
 
Chapter Four: Who Guards the Guards?
 
Chapter Five: Community Policing
 
Chapter Six: Police Culture
 
Chapter Seven: Policing Diversity
 
Chapter Eight: Global and Transnational Policing
 
Chapter Nine: Criminal investigation and policing
 
Chapter Ten: Plural Policing
 
Chapter Eleven: Smart Policing, Surveillance, IT and the Future of Policing
 
Chapter Twelve: Conclusions: The Future of Policing

By considering recent internal, societal and technological challenges the police are facing this book offers important insights into how these issues impact on a number of key policing issues such as police culture, crime investigation and diversity. It covers a number of challenging issues relating to the use of data, technology and trustworthiness and how these impact on the police, providing an exciting update on several core police issues that have been debated over time.

Emma Williams
Centre for Policing Research and Learning, The Open University

Rowe, Ralph and Malik’s latest edition provide a robust, comprehensive and critically inclined introductory text for undergraduate students pursuing degrees in criminology and policing. The chapter summaries and review questions provide excellent opportunities for both student reflection on learning  and inspiration to tutors for class-based discussion.  This resource will be a welcome addition to our reading lists.

Shane Horgan
Edinburgh Napier University

Well structured, easy to follow, comprehensive resource that is equally important to learners on a Level 3 policing qual or studying the policing degree.

Mr Neil Parry
Higher Education, Darlington College
May 3, 2024

Very well written. Good for my A-Level students studying criminology and also uniformed public services.

Miss Sam Shepley
Vocational Education, Ashton Sixth Form College
September 27, 2024

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ISBN: 9781529605143
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