2007 CEPOL European Police Research and Science Conference Report published

A full report on the 2007 CEPOL European Police Research and Science Conference, which took place in Germany on 12-14 September 2007, is now available to read by clicking here. This year’s conference was hosted by the Deutsche Hochschule der Polizei (German Police University) and focussed on the issues surrounding the Project Group on a ‘European Approach to Police Science’ report ‘Perspectives of Police Science in Europe’ published earlier this year. As with all the Research and Science conferences, the emphasis was very much on the exchange of ideas and networking, but the aim of the conference was to debate the report and find ways to develop a common understanding and a basis for future research and science activities. Key areas of debate included:

• Is there a common European understanding of police, policing, police philosophy and the role of police in society?
• Is there a common European understanding and definition of police science?
• Is there a way for better integration of police science and police practice?
• What common main research fields from a comparative point of view can be identified?
• What are the main values, methodologies and standards of European Police Science in the future?

The main conclusion from the conference was that at a European level, there is clearly a need in modern policing for good police science and research. The question remains, however, how to integrate scientific insights and practical approaches in police training and operations. A total of 75 participants, all with background in adult education, took part in the conference, including police scientists, senior police officers and police trainers. Norbert Reez, a Police Director from Germany, said: “We need more of such conferences. This conference has shown how important it is to build up a network involving police practitioners and scientists, and also that a change of cultures is necessary in order to enable both sides to work together.” Professor Jaroslav Holomek, Bratislava School of Law and Alexander Dubcek University in Trencin, Slovakia, said: “From here we should continue the discussion on police science and what it is; a working group should develop a few models which then should be discussed in the next conference in order to find an agreement on a model for police science. This has been a good starting point, but much more work still needs to be done.”