Australian Policing - Comprehensive Academic Collection for Practice

In this review of Australian Policing, the editors Philip Birch, Michael Kennedy and Erin Kruger assemble an authoritative edited collection aimed at professionals and students in policing, criminal law and public safety. The single biggest reason to buy is its practical bridge between academic research and police practice: this book gathers contributors from academia and police services to inform education, training, policy and operational decision making across contemporary Australian policing contexts.

Key Features

• Edited scholarship: A curated set of chapters brings together academics and police personnel to provide balanced perspectives relevant to both research and frontline practice.
• Education and training focus: The text reflects the Australian and New Zealand Policing Advisory Agency framework and offers material directly applicable to police education curricula and trainer development.
• Ethics and wellbeing: Dedicated chapters explore officer wellbeing and ethics, helping agencies integrate professional practice with welfare considerations.
• Operational techniques: Coverage of police discretion, use of force and investigative approaches makes the book useful for informing policy and operational guidance.
• Contemporary issues: The collection addresses 21st-century challenges faced by modern police forces, making it relevant for current reform and training conversations.

Who It's For

This book is best for police trainers, academy instructors, criminology and policing students, and policy makers who need research-informed material to shape education and practice. The collection's chapters are suitable as course readings or reference material for professional development seminars.

Those looking for an introductory how-to field manual for day-to-day policing tactics or a short pocket guide to procedures should look elsewhere, as the book leans toward academic analysis and systemic frameworks rather than concise procedural checklists.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Brings together academic and practitioner voices to connect research with applied policing practice.
• Strong emphasis on education, ethics and wellbeing that supports modern curriculum design.
• Relevant organisational and investigative discussion that can inform policy development.

Cons

• The edited collection format means depth varies by chapter, so individual chapters may differ in practical immediacy.
• Not a step-by-step operational manual, which limits use for immediate field reference.

Specifications

Our Verdict

Australian Policing is a valuable, research-informed collection for anyone involved in police education, training or policy development. Its blend of academic analysis and practitioner insight makes it good value for institutions and professionals seeking to update curricula or ground reform in evidence, though readers seeking concise field guides should supplement with operational manuals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this book cover police training frameworks?
Yes, it recognises and reflects the ANZPAA education and training framework and includes material relevant to curriculum and trainer development.

Is the content practical for frontline officers?
The collection includes operational topics like use of force and investigations, but it is primarily research and policy oriented rather than a step-by-step field manual.

Who edited the book?
The volume is edited by Philip Birch, Michael Kennedy and Erin Kruger and features contributions from academics and police personnel.