This chapter Research for The Front Lines by David Thacher focuses on examining the tendency in police research. The study highlights the three main structures of the front-line of police work that includes the urge to enhance programs instead of evaluating them, the urge to cope with vague and clashing goals, and the prerequisite to attend a vast number of situational details. Thacher argues that the conventional method applied in police research focuses on policy and managerial issues rather than line officer alarms. This chapter, therefore, aims at attaining a balance in this concern. David Thacher applies truism, sociology of scientific theory that human knowledge is as a result of an inscription of specific opinions, values, and interests so that any specific scientific program serves the needs of particular segments instead of others. The author thus believes that scientists conduct their research questions based on a particular truth. They focus on a specific human lot. This chapter informs us that Policing is not the only area that deserts the needs of front-line experts. According to Law and Rein (1977), there is only a three-part theory that links knowledge and action. The three-phase approach includes the views of front-line consultants who distribute services straight to customers; those of legislators and top managers who state agency goals through interacting with the political environment and views of researchers. Thacher uses laws and Rein theory to give an example of instructors who barely meet with researchers because they do not get the opportunity to do so instead receive handouts of research summaries or findings. The researcher informs that it is best to involve officers in studies to identify what works best. Instead of implementing a program because a leader thinks it is optimal, there should be room for discussion and assessment. The front-line officers need to know that their interests are also met. Therefore, it is best for police organizations to evaluate existing programs to explore new opportunities. The difference between these two types of knowledge is the variation between aspects of the globe that are linked to situation, background, identity, and understanding of the knower. Another difference is the contextualized acquaintance of certain events as well as universal generalizations unbounded by the circumstances that triumph in actual places and time. Scientists and philosophers believe that the only ideal knowledge is the universal type because it can be generalized. In other words, situated knowledge only serves a specific group of people, while global information serves dogma interest. Therefore, this research suggests that situational awareness is ideal for Policing (Bittner). Situational data is essential in this field because it requires both experience and judgement which it offers. Even though most people believe that formal logistic goals in life often render incomplete directions for front-line experts, it is sensible in police departments. According to Millgram (1977), people can find the meaning of an organization by looking into their actions. For instance, the police department, one relates and understand that it is responsible for law enforcement because of its activities of solving crimes. However, an abstract statement cannot render a guide on police practices.
Conclusion
Thacher concludes that science serves human needs. However, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to all social interests. The police field has divergent interests; therefore, proper research should focus on the police department and not on all human benefits. He also insists on the use of situated knowledge to address front-line experts’ interests. Therefore, applying normative questions that result from actual situations is the best method to handle Policing issues and affairs.
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References
Thacher, D. (2008). Research for the front lines. Policing & society , 18 (1), 46-59.
