Special Topics in Policing

This book provides a critical analysis of five central areas in modern policing: crime control, community policing, volunteers in policing, officer safety and wellness, and contemporary issues. It begins with an examination of the evolution of crime control strategies, focusing on how technology and organizational tactics have shaped efforts to reduce crime. Global case studies, including perspectives from Central and Eastern Europe and the New York Police Department, offer practical insights into how crime control has adapted in the 21st century. These chapters blend theoretical perspectives with real-world experiences, highlighting both challenges and successes in maintaining public safety. The book explores the shifting dynamics of community policing. Once considered the cornerstone of police work, this approach now faces budget cuts and recruitment challenges that have pushed departments toward new strategies, including the use of social media and digital platforms to sustain public outreach. The discussion extends to the role of volunteers in policing, drawing on case studies from Asia and Hungary to identify best practices for enhancing community engagement and addressing organizational deficits through volunteer involvement. It also examines officer wellness and safety, with particular emphasis on mental health challenges such as post-traumatic stress and the growing physical risks officers face on the job. The final chapters address pressing contemporary issues, including racial bias, non-consensual policing in the UK, and drug decriminalization efforts in Canada, offering a nuanced analysis of their implications for policing and the wider criminal justice system. Through research and policy analysis, this book serves as an essential resource for scholars, practitioners, and policymakers striving to strengthen both the effectiveness of law enforcement and public trust in the institution of policing.