Misunderstandings, mischaracterizations, and malicious accusations: A reply to Walby’s (2021) SWAT Everywhere?
| Author | Bryce Jenkins,Tori Semple,Craig Bennell,Laura Huey |
| DOI | http://doi.org/10.1177/0032258X211008950 |
| Published date | 01 September 2022 |
| Date | 01 September 2022 |
| Subject Matter | Articles |
Article
Misunderstandings,
mischaracterizations, and
malicious accusations: A
reply to Walby’s (2021)
SWAT Everywhere?
Bryce Jenkins , Tori Semple and Craig Bennell
Department of Psychology, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario,
Canada
Laura Huey
Department of Sociology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
Abstract
To develop a more informed understanding of why tactical officers are used in Canada,
we interviewed patrol and tactical officers from three Canadian police services (Jenkins
et al., 2020). Interviewees indicated that tactical officers tend to be used on calls that go
beyond the capabilities of patrol officers, including high-risk calls and calls unfolding in
special environments, and that their use results in reduced threat to police and public
safety. In response, Walby (2021) has argued that evidence-based policing (EBP) research
of the sort we conducted is inherently biased. He also criticized our understanding of
existing literature, took aim at our research methodology and conclusions, and ques-
tioned our academic integrity by claiming that we were paid by the participating police
services to conduct the research. While Walby makes some valid criticisms of our
research, his response is riddled with misunderstandings, mischaracterizations, and
malicious (unfounded) accusations. After setting the record straight with respect to
allegations regarding our nefarious motives to conduct the research, we argue that
Walby completely misrepresents EBP research when he argues that it aims to support
harmful police practices in exchange for financial support. We then correct numerous
instances where Walby either mischaracterizes existing research or misrepresents our
views (and those of our interviewees) when it comes to the use of tactical officers. We
Corresponding author:
Bryce Jenkins, Department of Psychology, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel by Drive, Ottawa, Ontario K1S
5B6, Canada.
Email: Bryce.jenkins@carleton.ca
The Police Journal:
Theory, Practice and Principles
ªThe Author(s) 2021
Article reuse guidelines:
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DOI: 10.1177/0032258X211008950
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2022, Vol. 95(3) 411–420
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