Sayer-Jane Vermeer, Ben Stickle, Mark Frame and Michael Hein
As tensions between the police and community grow, one often called upon solution is a more diverse police force. However, building diversity presents many challenges, especially…
Abstract
Purpose
As tensions between the police and community grow, one often called upon solution is a more diverse police force. However, building diversity presents many challenges, especially if there are barriers for choosing a career as a police officer. The present study explores motivations and barriers to becoming a police officer to help reduce the disparity between the community and police.
Design/methodology/approach
An online survey of 344 persons in the US asked respondents to identify the motivations and barriers to choosing a career as a police officer. Survey questions centered on issues related to trust, police culture, practices of the police and lack of awareness of career opportunities.
Findings
Results indicated that higher trust of the police, positive perceptions of police fairness and knowledge of potential police career opportunities increased an individual's interest in pursuing a career as a police officer. At the same time, negative views in these areas were barriers to interest in policing. These results give insight into where efforts can be focused to increase interest in becoming a police officer.
Originality/value
There is a lack of research on factors leading to an interest in a policing career. This study provides insight into the reasons for and barriers to entering a career in policing and provides a starting point for future research and practical implications for police departments seeking to increase interest in a policing career.
Details
Keywords
Ben Stickle, Teresa C. Kulig, Sadie Creel, Kayla N. Meyer, Bethany Maynard and Garrett C. Jeanes
Human trafficking is challenging to address; one facet of response has been to engage with the public to increase awareness of trafficking and create connections that facilitate…
Abstract
Purpose
Human trafficking is challenging to address; one facet of response has been to engage with the public to increase awareness of trafficking and create connections that facilitate identification. Police officials are uniquely situated to engage with the community on human trafficking through their online presence. However, little is known about how police officials use these virtual platforms to discuss trafficking.
Design/methodology/approach
The current study examines how Tennessee police use agency websites and Twitter to connect with their community on the issue of human trafficking.
Findings
Out of 241 police agencies studied in Tennessee, 80% (n = 192) had websites, while 35% (n = 84) had Twitter accounts. Findings suggest that Tennessee agencies are not currently using websites (1%) or Twitter (4.7%) to engage with the public about human trafficking. Further, when it did occur, the communication to the public was limited in depth and resources.
Research limitations/implications
Future research should include other police agencies and additional social media sites.
Practical implications
Police agencies could be more proactive at engaging the community, with the caveat that any future initiatives should have clear goals and monitor their effectiveness at achieving their intended outcomes.
Originality/value
This research provides a fundamental analysis of how police agencies communicate to the public on issues related to human trafficking.
Details
Keywords
Ben Stickle, Basia Pietrawska and Steven K. Aurand
Purpose – This chapter seeks to understand what occurred with five different types of crime among eight retail sectors during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020–2021 to allow retailers…
Abstract
Purpose – This chapter seeks to understand what occurred with five different types of crime among eight retail sectors during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020–2021 to allow retailers to respond to crime, risk, and loss.
Methodology/Approach – Data as reported by police in seven major US cities during the first six months of 2019, 2020, and 2021 were analyzed from a Routine Activities perspective.
Findings – The study results show that crime varied by type and location during COVID-19.
Originality/Value – This analysis provides the first examination of crime across several types and eight retail sectors.
Verity Chester and Peter E. Langdon
Social deficits are central within conceptualisations of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and separately linked to offending behaviour. Social problem-solving interventions are…
Abstract
Purpose
Social deficits are central within conceptualisations of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and separately linked to offending behaviour. Social problem-solving interventions are often used with offenders, but little research has examined the social information processing (SIP) skills of individuals with ASD and a history of criminal offending behaviours. The paper aims to discuss this issue.
Design/methodology/approach
This conceptual paper will introduce the SIP model, review SIP research as applied to those with ASD and in forensic populations, and further consider the relevance to the assessment and treatment of offenders with ASD.
Findings
Difficulties in all areas of the SIP model are noted in ASD and research suggests these difficulties may be directly linked to behaviour.
Practical implications
It is possible that identifying SIP abilities and deficits could improve the effectiveness of rehabilitation programmes for this group.
Originality/value
This paper reviews the utility of social information models in the offending behaviour of people with ASD.
Details
Keywords
Ben Dyson, Donal Howley and Yanhua Shen
The purpose of this paper is to study teachers’ perspectives of social and emotional learning (SEL) in Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ) primary schools.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to study teachers’ perspectives of social and emotional learning (SEL) in Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ) primary schools.
Design/methodology/approach
This research was a case study design investigating the phenomenon of SEL in primary schools (elementary school level) in Aotearoa NZ (Stake, 2005).
Findings
The SEL themes that were drawn from the data were: positive interdependence, empowerment, self-management, self-awareness restorative conversations and circle time.
Research limitations/implications
The research challenges the field to work with teachers and community workers to create more in-depth qualitative research knowledge that is contextually relevant to SEL for researchers, educational policymakers and our children.
Originality/value
Based in Aotearoa NZ primary schools, this qualitative research provides a unique perspective of SEL from school-based practicing teachers.