Introduction to Professional Policing

Policing is a dynamic profession with increasing demands and complexities placed upon police officers, staff and volunteers who provide a 24-hour service across a diverse range of communities. Written by experts in policing higher education from across both academic and professional practice, this book equips aspiring or newly appointed police officers, staff and volunteers with the knowledge and understanding to deal with the significant and often complex challenges they face daily.

This second edition of Introduction to Professional Policing explores a number of the core underpinning knowledge requirements identified as themes within the ever-evolving National Policing Curriculum (NPC) and Police Constable Entry Routes (PCER), while also informing those embarking on leadership development. These include:

• Community and neighbourhood policing
• Counter-terrorism
• Digital policing
• Ethics, equality, diversity and inclusion
• Evidence-based policing
• Maintaining professional standards
• Police leadership
• Problem solving and problem-oriented policing
• Victims and protecting the vulnerable
• Volunteers in policing

This edition has been reviewed and significantly updated in line with the dynamic and ongoing demands faced by operational policing and therefore the associated knowledge requirements for policing education and training. The book is refocused on the learning requirements contained within the range of entry routes now available in to policing, as well as the professional development of those serving as police staff and volunteers. This includes new chapters providing insights into community and neighbourhood policing, problem solving and volunteers in policing.

At the end of each chapter the student finds a case study, reflective questions and an extensive reference list, all of which reinforces students’ knowledge and furthers their professional development. Written in a clear and direct style, this book supports aspiring police officers, newly appointed police officers, direct entry detectives, community support officers, special constables and police staff. It will also be of interest to those embarking on a leadership journey within policing and anyone wanting to learn more about the profession of policing. It is essential reading for students taking a professional policing degree or commencing any of the police constable entry routes.