An integrated theory for the practical application of “governance-based policing”

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to reconcile the different theoretical approaches of the next stage of community policing – third-party policing, post-modern policing, community-based policing, public self-policing, community governance and public safety governance – into a cohesive theoretical framework through the integration of the new governance of public administration, systems theory and community development theory.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reviews the existing literature of community-oriented policing (COP) and the concepts of new governance of public administration, then reconciles the two to create a management framework of governance-based policing.

Findings

COP falls short in many areas because it represents a natural system orientation and a technical-assistance approach to community development. The next stage of community policing requires an open system founded in the self-help approach to community development and new governance principles.

Practical implications

This work addresses the shift from hierarchies to networks as well as detailing the responsibilities of police management to transcend the shortcomings in the current iteration of community policing. It brings a modern public management view (new governance) into policing more cogently and completely than it has been done before.

Originality/value

This work is unique to the community policing literature through the application of new governance, systems theory and community development theory to understand the shortfalls of COP and formulate a more cohesive theory of the next evolution of police service delivery.

Citation

A. Ferrandino, J. (2014), "An integrated theory for the practical application of “governance-based policing”", Policing: An International Journal, Vol. 37 No. 1, pp. 52-69. https://doi.org/10.1108/PIJPSM-06-2012-0050