Full Description
First published in 1998, this book analytically examines the social and professional origins of one of the most powerful groups in society, the Chief Constables of the police forces of England and Wales. By examining the selection policies of police authorities during the past century and a half, it provides an explanation of the contrast that is found between the picture of yesterday's Chief Constable as an ex-military, tweed suit wearing, friend of the local aristocracy and the technocratic managerial image of Chief Constables today.
Drawing upon analysis of the careers of fall Chief Constables known to have held office between 1835 and 1995, and supplemented by contemporary and recent literature, this book illustrates the subtle interaction that was found between politics and policing at both local and national levels. At the centre of these findings is the observation that whilst they were once part of their respective local power elites, Chief Constables are now an elite group in their own right with direct links with central government.
Contents
1. Introduction. 2. The Origins of the Provincial Police in England and Wales. 3. The Development of the Police Organisation in England and Wales. 4. The Recruitment and Selection of Chief Constables Before Desborough. 5. Past Debates over Selection and Appointment. 6. Towards the Internal Recruitment of Chief Constables. 7. Higher Police Training: Strategies for Sustaining the Internal Recruitment of Chief Constables. 8. The Careers of Chief Constables Appointed Between 1836 and 1996. 9. The Occupational and Social Origins of Chief Constables Appointed Between 1836 and 1996. 10. The Ideology of Internal Recruitment and the Governance of Police Management.
