The aim of this book is to examine the qualities of leadership and decision-making in the police service. Based on groundbreaking research using unique, advanced methods for examining policing in complex critical incident environments, the book focuses principally on a series of police debriefs following live major critical incidents. It captures the views of the Senior Investigating Officers (SIOs) who worked on these cases and draws upon the very rich set of experiences that they have had in dealing with complex, stressful and demanding enquiries. The book provides an introduction to new methods for exploring leadership and decision-making in critical incidents. It will be an essential resource for developers of police training in leadership and decision-making, senior police officers involved in critical incident management, organisational psychologists who work within policing, and for students whose area of study covers policing, decision-making or criminal investigation.

This book examines how the police make decisions in real life situations, particularly in major enquiries. The two key themes explored are real-time decision making along with what “works” in such circumstances. It aims to set out how successful decisions are arrived at in a variety of difficult and time-constrained situations and discusses the lessons that can be learnt from this. Written by practitioners and academics, the book explores a range of topics, from the decision making process involved operational matters and in difficult-so-solve murder enquiries. It not only examines decision making but also how experienced decision makers function. It looks at the psychology of police decision making, decision making involved in cold case investigations, and discusses the need for “grip” during major investigations. The contributors are experienced and respected practitioners and academics This book will appeal particularly to those studying Policing and Criminology and also to Investigating Officers and those involved in professionalising investigative practice.

Abstract: Critical incidents in law enforcement often either lead to a great divide between police agencies and the communities they serve, or they exacerbate a volatile relationship that already exists. Critical incidents may cause outrage within the community due to: misconceptions about the incident, extreme distrust of police, allegations of police misconduct, or racial tension. In an effort to improve and enhance organizational police and community resilience following a critical incident, a case study comparison of four recent high-profile critical incidents seeks to answer the following question: What lessons can we learn from police critical incidents and how do the events surrounding them affect police and community resilience? Analysis of the cases identifies specific factors that affect resiliency among police agencies and communities during and after critical incidents. The analysis leads to recommendations for police agencies to enhance police-community relations and resilience.