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Abstract

Pluralisation of policing is used to described the multi-agency approach to policing. Its inception has transformed the role of the public police who are no longer perceived as the sole providers of policing. This dissertation focused on the political and social context in which pluralisation emerged, the development of pluralisation and the implications of such development in terms of democratic governance. Whilst existing literature discusses pluralisation, its focus appears to be on how to apply the framework of democratic governance principles to the emerging providers of policing, whereas this dissertation explores how the framework of democratic governance was limited within the emerging providers. The aim of this dissertation was to explore and critically analyse the implications of pluralisation upon democratic governance. Existing literature was reviewed and relevant information applied to further this dissertation. Post modernity witnessed a demise in the state’s monopoly over law and order, an acknowledgement of the limitations of the criminal justice agencies and the rise of a crime conscious society that demanded security. Whilst the public police remained an essential provider of policing, neo-liberal ideals of increased responsibilisation by society, reduced public spending and increased private sector involvement established a multi-agency approach to policing. Policing broadened to incorporate increased visible policing. However, a realization grew that the function of the public police and the alternative providers was markedly different. Further, the marketization of policing has resulted in an obscure provision of policing. The responsibility for crime control appeared blurred in terms of provider, restricted in engaging legitimately and providing accountability for the “common good” and lacking in equality and civil liberties for marginalised communities. This dissertation will conclude that the emerging plural policing providers were limited in terms of accountability, equality, legitimacy and society’s rights, the democratic principles of governance.

Course: Crime and Criminology - BSc (Hons) - C2113P

Date Deposited: 2021-11-05

URI/permalink: https://library.port.ac.uk/dissert/dis13725.html