The Changing Nature of Policing Studies in Türkiye

Abstract

In Turkey, policing has been profoundly influenced by a heritage rooted in traditional law enforcement models derived from both Ottoman and global mentalities. This research addresses the reflections of the dynamic nature of policing reality in academic publications, examining the evolution of these studies both in content and structure. To this end, it presents a quantitative content analysis of the changing character of policing studies in Turkey, encompassing all publications produced up to 2023. A meticulously compiled dataset of 389 different articles from DergiPark, Turkey's online publication service and editorial workflow management system for academic journals, was utilized. Using a content scanning form, fundamental information such as publication year, author background, subject matter, and research methodology was systematically extracted. The data underwent descriptive analyses in SPSS, including frequency and cross-tabulation, to reveal significant trends and patterns. The findings demonstrate that Turkey's shifting political landscape has had a substantial quantitative and qualitative impact on policing research. Looking back over the years, it is evident that during coup periods, the content of police activities was quantitatively limited and lacked diversity. However, in periods without or with unsuccessful coups, there was a noticeable increase in the diversity and quantity of research. Despite advancements in policing studies, more methodologically rigorous and targeted research is needed to thoroughly examine the reality of policing in the academic field.