Policing and unions assist in various organizational operations globally. Despite multiple distinctions across cultures internationally, police unions are influential in policy reforms. For instance, the UK and the USA implement policies that restrict union powers and advocate for a flexible labor market. Currently, the USA has approximately 8% unionized workforce in the private sectors, whereas the public sectors entail about 36% unionized labor force ( Berry et al., 2008 ). State control of contemporary policing hinders the joint actions of an organized workforce in multiple nations. The emergence of trade unions during the industrial revolution provided a platform for employees to present their grievances against the government and employers. Unions negotiate for enhanced working conditions, payment improvement, and employees' benefits in various organizations, including the police department. Though unions advocate for employees' compensation, benefits, and improved working conditions. The police unions address discipline cases distinctively. Similar to conventional associations, police unions ensure sufficient working conditions for members ( Berry et al., 2008 ). Regarding advocacy, police unions may exist in various forms: First, the reactionary alliance entails a conservative perspective of criminal justice and opposes the establishment of a special commission to examine police deviance. A considerable number of the European nations and the USA use reactionary police union ( Berry et al., 2008 ). Secondly, the modernized or reformed association ensures effective representation of members irrespective of gender and religious affiliation. The police union promotes diversity and curb discrimination among members. Traditionally, multiple police unions in different parts of the word used authoritarian and punishment-centered approaches in performing their duties. However, modern police unions in the US and UK acknowledge and appreciate the significance of diversity of innovation, opinions, and initiatives in their operations.
Associations and Police Unions in the Netherlands
The trade unions of the Netherlands engage in vital negotiations with employers and the government in ensuring conducive working conditions, compensation, and benefits of members legitimately and routinely. The Netherlands has approximately nine representative police unions, both nationally and regionally ( Berry et al., 2008 ). Each representative bodies have at least one police officer resulting in about 90% police representation in the unions. As opposed to the US, trade unions in the Netherlands continues to possess significant influence in the country. Moreover, the police unions in the Netherlands continues to influence various activities, and people perceive the unions as legitimate, liberal, and significant associations. The abrupt mass movement (strike) of sergeants and constable of the London Metropolitan Police resulted in the establishment of the police federation in 1919. The police federation of Wales and England acts as a representative organization for police officers from different ranks, for example, the constables and chief police inspectors. The police federation and British association of women police support women police financially and promote high morals to avoid sexual discrimination ( Berry et al., 2008 ). However, Britain's policing and federation currently experience a challenge of retaining a distinct status of constables legally.
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The Establishment of the Black Police Association
The inception or commencement of the black police association (BPA) in 1994 helped in presenting grievances of black police personnel in the London Metropolitan Police. The BPA intended to improve then working conditions of black police personnel to enhance service quality to the general public ( Berry et al., 2008 ). The murder of Stephen Lawrence acted as a catalyst to the transformation. The assassination represented the police department as a racist institution.
The Police Union in New Zealand
New Zealand possesses a single police force of approximately 7500 sworn police officers and about 2500 non-sworn police officers. The New Zealand police association (NZPA) represents police employees entirely ( Berry et al., 2008 ). The NZPA acts as a dependable commentator on broader laws and policing. Additionally, the NZPA promotes development and policy reforms nationally.
Conclusion
Police unions have distinct functions across societies. The police federation of wales and England offer an adequate representation of staff from all levels. The NZPA represents both sworn and non-sworn police personnel. The unions in the Netherlands influences on management, stakeholders, and government. Consequently, police unions in the Netherlands influence operations of trade unions in the country.
References
Berry, J., O’Connor, G., Punch, M., & Wilson, P. (2008). Strange Union: Changing Patterns of Reform, Representation, and Unionization in Policing. Police Practice and Research: An International Journal , 9 (2), 113-130.
