Researching sensitive topics for the police – insights from the UK
| Date | 11 June 2018 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/JCRPP-11-2017-0036 |
| Pages | 89-100 |
| Published date | 11 June 2018 |
| Author | Colin Rogers |
| Subject Matter | Health & social care,Criminology & forensic psychology |
Researching sensitive topics for the
police –insights from the UK
Colin Rogers
Abstract
Purpose –The purpose of this paper is to illustrate how practical research can be undertaken into sensitive
issues within the criminal justice system having cognisance of the needs of those subject to the research process.
Design/methodology/approach –A mixed methods design which was complicated due to the subject
matter being explored, that of historical reporting of sexual offences. Confidential questionnaires and focus
group method utilised, but in constant contact with specialised victim support service to ensure rights of
victims understood and interwoven into the design.
Findings –Even though there are some very sensitive areas within the criminal justice system where it is
believed research is difficult to undertake, it can be achieved by constant reference to the needs of the victim
and strict confidentiality. Given the right circumstances and approach, research into what has been
previously considered areas of difficulty can be researched effectively.
Research limitations/implications –Due to the research methods explored an utilised, a template for
research methodology can be seen which can be transferred into any other sensitive topic that requires
research. In addition, by undertaking this method, previously unheard voices of victims of historical crimes
can be utilised to inform official policy and practice. However, a limitation of the approach can be the low
number of respondents wishing to take part.
Practical implications –Victims have an opportunity to influence public policy. The methods utilised “opens
up”the possibility for replication of research into other sensitive areas of the CJS. The methods utilised
involved a number of Criminal Justice Agencies which assisted in maximising their understanding of victims
experiences thorough the partnership approach. The research methods and results influencing training
methods of the police as first responders to such incidents.
Social implications –The social implications of this paper are that it will encourage other researchers not to
be afraid of what appears to be “hard to reach”and sensitive topics in terms of social science research. This
will allow for greater numbers of marginalised individuals and victims to engage and influence the criminal
justice system, thereby influencing public policy and improving the way victims of crime are treated.
Originality/value –This paper is one of the few, if any, that explores ethical problems and sensitive topics
such as historical reporting of sexual offences. It will have resonance for those who wish to undertake similar
types of research.
Keywords Ethics, Police, Research methods, Historical sexual offences, Sensitive research, Victims of crime
Paper type Research paper
Introduction
The rise of the evidence-based policing approach (see Sherman, 2013), the drive for police
professionalisation in policing witnessed in many countries (Rogers, 2010) coupled with recent
global economic problems has meant police agencies across the world are searching for ways to
ensure their delivery of service is not just economic, but efficient as well as effective. This has
meant more and more evaluation type research, much focussed upon organisational and
structure issues. However, a deeper need to understand societal issues that affect the way a
country is policed in the foreseeable future, is also required. Included within this approach is a
need to understand and deal with those concerns raised by consumers of police services, be
they victims, witnesses or others. Indeed, particularly in the UK, and in other developed
countries, the role of the victim in the Criminal Justice System has taken on a far more significant
Received 15 November 2017
Revised 9 January 2018
Accepted 10 January 2018
Colin Rogers is Professor at
the AGSPS, Australian
Graduate School of Policing
and Security, Charles Sturt
University, Canberra, Australia;
and is at the Centre for Policing
and Security, University of
South Wales, Pontypridd, UK.
DOI 10.1108/JCRPP-11-2017-0036 VOL. 4 NO. 2 2018, pp.89-100, © Emerald Publishing Limited, ISSN 2056-3841
j
JOURNAL OF CRIMINOLOGICAL RESEARCH, POLICY AND PRACTICE
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