Thinking about Research: The Contribution of Social Science Research to Contemporary Policing

Shortcomings & achievements of recent police research are noted, & recommendations are offered for further research. Four subject categories are surveyed: operations management, overall administration, ends of policing, & general methodology. Discussed within the scope of operations management are: differential response strategy, preventive patrol, investigative resources, & scientific & analytical skills. Much of the research was undertaken collectively by several cities in conjunction with the Police Executive Research Forum, with some data from cross-national research coordinated by the National Instit of Justice & conducted by the International Panel on Police Research. Views of the research are mixed, but the findings have sufficient value to justify future research. K. Walsh.