Sarah Charman

This book reinvigorates the debate about the origins and development of police culture within our changing social, economic and political landscape. An in-depth analysis and appreciation of the police socialisation, identity and culture literature is combined with a comprehensive four-year longitudinal study of new recruits to a police force in England. The result offers new insights into the development of, and influences upon, new police recruits who refer to themselves as a “new breed” of police officer. Adding significantly to the police culture literature, this original and empirically based research also provides valuable insights into the challenges of modern policing in an age of austerity. Scholars of policing and criminal justice, as well as police officers themselves will find this compelling reading.

This book reinvigorates the debate about the origins and development of police culture within our changing social, economic and political landscape. An in-depth analysis and appreciation of the police socialisation, identity and culture literature is combined with a comprehensive four-year longitudinal study of new recruits to a police force in England. The result offers new insights into the development of, and influences upon, new police recruits who refer to themselves as a “new breed” of police officer. Adding significantly to the police culture literature, this original and empirically based research also provides valuable insights into the challenges of modern policing in an age of austerity. Scholars of policing and criminal justice, as well as police officers themselves will find this compelling reading.

This text examines the role of the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) within British policing and police policy-making. Based on the first ever empirical study of ACPO, involving interviews with over 60 members of ACPO and many others connected with British policing, the book charts the changing position of ACPO over time and the influence which ACPO has over both policing policy and criminal justice policy more generally. In doing so it draws from a range of themes including patterns of police governance and accountability, police culture and policy networks. It concludes with a critical assessment of the doctrine of "constabulary independence". The book provides an insight into the workings of a body which represents the most senior police officers in the land.