Developments in police accountability : an investigation into the occupational culture of senior management of a provincial police force

Adegbembo, Olukayode Adetokun

Abstract

This research is a qualitative study that focuses on the occupational culture of the senior management of the public police in England and Wales. Empirical data is obtained from in-depth interviews of the whole senior management team in one English provincial police force. There is an examination of the legal framework of the accountability processes of the police with emphasis on the culture of performance management. The role of central control as the independent arbitrator in the accountability process is identified. It is argued that the use of central selection processes for senior managers in the police and the standard training for senior managers is the basis of improved management quality but the tensions of demands from local communities have led to a dilemma in the decision making and accountability processes. The recent development in the accountability process is explored through the perceptions of the senior managers. This is achieved by examining their perceptions against the background of police reform and change. The implementation of Best Value and the adoption of a local policing team model during fieldwork presented a background to examine senior managers in action. The role of civilian members in the management of the police is highlighted and it is argued that the accountability process is not totally effective on these managers who are not as visible as their police counterparts. This is disproportionate to the amount of power that they have within the police as an organisation. The emergence of a civilian senior manager’s culture is highlighted as an important aspect of wider police occupational culture. The study concludes that the emphasis on micro detail involved in performance management distracts the senior managers from structural policies that influence police culture and behaviour on the streets. The increase in internal accountability is identified as one of the strengths of the development in the accountability process through performance management. The introduction of techniques of measurement including performance indicators can lead to the alienation of police activity from diverse issues and stifle creativity. The more sophisticated the techniques get the greater the chance of it being acceptable universally within the police. The caveat is that the indicators must have a credible relationship to the police behaviour that is being measured. In order to create a change in the culture of the police it is essential for internal structures and subcultures to be understood as they are likely to hinder any well intentioned changes that contradict the core of the culture.

Citation

Adegbembo, O. A. (2005). Developments in police accountability : an investigation into the occupational culture of senior management of a provincial police force. (Thesis). University of Hull. Retrieved from https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4222486

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Jun 29, 2020
• Publicly Available Date: Feb 23, 2023
• Keywords: Law
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4222486
• Additional Information: Law School, The University of Hull
• Award Date: Nov 1, 2005