Foreword

Following early forays into policing scholarship from the likes of William Westley (1953) and Michael Banton (1964), research on policing has grown exponentially. Today, most criminology journals publish work on policing, plus there are numerous specialist high-ranking journals on police research, many of which take peer-reviewed submissions from police practitioners as well as from academics. In the UK there is a growing propensity for senior officers to seek postgraduate qualification - including up to doctorate level - to further their researcher skills and to bolster portfolios of evidence for promotion. Furthermore, requirements for practice to be evidence-based have meant there is greater need for skilled police researchers. For those wishing to join the service, there is often an expectation that recruits will have a degree in policing (or related field) or will be willing to study for a degree in policing as part of their training – and this degree learning will include training in research methods.

In these contexts, there is a real need for a text on research methods that is specifically focused on policing scholarship. In 2016 Mark Brunger, Stephen Tong and Denise Martin produced the 1st edition of “Introduction to Policing Research: Taking Lessons from Practice”. In this fully revised 2nd edition Denise Martin and Stephen Tong have brought together respected police researchers who each provide personal insight into their approach to policing research, including the challenges faced, and opportunities for research innovation.