the role of theory theory: an orderly system of knowledge(oxford dictionary) “ a thing may be true...

The Role of Theory

• Theory: an orderly system of knowledge(Oxford Dictionary)

• “ a thing may be true in theory but not in practice”

• A common language for determining what counts as a valid proposition or empirical test

Valid propositions:Individuals reasons

• Individual approach. • 120 interviews collected- results indicated why

police had joined the NSW police: their personal reasons

Empirical test:social structures

• Doing police work – individual behaviour

Record of actual police work conducted: no of arrests, the outcomes to those arrests and the pattern of police work in numerical form.

Model of repeated behaviour

• Individual decision making• Ignore offence?• Stop Offender

Strain Theory

• Limited opportunities and competing priorities. • Behaviours that develop or are learned in

response to such stressors

• Police need to use discretion to decide what offences to ignore, act on by a warning or arrest.

• NEXT SLIDE IS A MODEL OF ARREST PROCEDURES

Conflict Theory

• Some groups are labeled more than others• Discriminatory Practices: gender class, age and

race. • COURT PROCESS DESCRIBED IN NEXT MODEL

Environmental Factors

• Forces beyond the individuals control: FOR POLICE their work environment.

• Command and control structure• External demands for reform• Individual decision making to conform or to be

different?