The importance of a new philosophy to the post modern policing environment

Abstract

PurposeTo provide a concept for a different policing organizational model, founded upon democratic policing principles and a victim‐centered philosophy, which may be more useful for a postmodernist society.Design/methodology/approachThe paper presents an alternative model of policing; based upon a literature review of authoritative material concerning the postmodernist environment, the historical background of policing, police organizational research, and the philosophy of victim‐centered policing.FindingsThe paper presents a literature review, which identifies that the bureaucratic model of policing may no longer be functional for policing post‐modern society and inconsistent with modern governance principles. A more democratic heteronomous model of policing, where management determines the broad philosophical principles and co‐ordination of tasks while the policing practitioner makes localized decisions, may improve organizational effectiveness. A philosophy of victim‐centered policing may assist in achieving a policing legitimacy and the development of a new administrative approach. An existing model of this new approach may be found in the community beat officer, which is currently operating in many jurisdictions.Practical implicationsThe implementation of the principles espoused in this paper may improve the policing legitimacy in heavily fragmented societies, reduce deviant behavior by police officers while increasing job satisfaction, support restorative justice issues for victims, and assist the maintenance of public order.Originality/valueThe paper may be of value of policy‐makers, police administrators, police union officials, anti‐corruption units, and criminal justice academics/practitioners.