Perceptions of Policing: An Investigation into Modern Community Policing Responses through the Management, Administration & Development of the Police Community Support Officer in Leicester

This thesis provides an examination of the historical development and changing management of community policing by reflecting the impact of complexity on the work and role of modern police process, as particularly exhibited in the function and role of the Police Community Support Officer (PCSO). The research, which is central to the review, combines the perceptions of front line police ranks, police managers and members of the public to consider whether their expectations of community policing are the same. Subject responses to scenario based questions associated with common incidents to which the police might respond, were visually mapped and subsequently compared. The resulting maps indicate that there are, in some cases, significant differences between actions and expectations of the three study groups. This highlights the impact and influence of complex systems on police process, evidencing the need to apply and be aware of alternative methods to resolve complex problems in the community.