CAREER: Understanding Domestic and International Police Activity

Cornell University, Ithaca NY

Investigators

Abstract

This project develops an original framework and theory to understand police activity. It assesses this theory with newly-collected observation data and the largest survey of personnel from multiple countries. This is an important contribution because most of the work in this area has largely focused on case studies in the US, UK, and Latin American countries. These single cases do not permit the development of an overarching theory for understanding variation across settings and time in policing activity. The project develops an undergraduate course focused on evidence based research and a masters-level certificate program for police leadership. This CAREER research and teaching agenda will achieve the following objectives: 1) develop an original framework and theory on global police activity; 2) gather essential cross-national data; 3) collect the largest, original survey data of police personnel around the world; and 4) implement a multi-faceted educational program that will train undergraduate students and masters students in evidence-based strategies. This project provides two unique innovations from current research. First, it uses a framework to understand the complex dynamics of policing and uses multiple, original data sources to test these theories. Treating the police as actors uncovers the ways in which institutional and interest-based explanations affect the likelihood of different types of police activity. The extensive cross-national, time series data collection of police activity, police institutions, and police assistance enables comparative analysis about the conditions under which different forms of activity is more likely. Moreover, the survey data of police personnel, allows the PI to explore how individual interests and beliefs and unit cohesion affect the actions of individual officers and groups of officers. Importantly, the project allows for the synthesis of evidence-based research with education through the development of an undergraduate course and a master’s-level certificate program for domestic and international police leadership. By integrating evidence-based research and research methods into these courses, the project trains the next generation of undergraduates to develop original research, critical thought, and solutions. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.