A tale of two cultures: A comparison of the cultures of the police and academia

One of the developments in policing that is significant in creating a more just society is the increasing openness of police forces to academic work and their embracing of scientific approaches to crime management. These increasing interactions require cross-cultural understanding which is not always present. It is therefore of value to explore the contrasts between the culture of the police and of academics. It is argued that these two cultures differ in a) their approach to the nature of knowledge, b) what are considered appropriate forms of action, and c) in the objectives that motivate individuals within these contexts. These differences are generated by the overall missions of the different institutions and are usually consonant with them. However, academics can benefit from taking on board some of the perspectives of the police and the police increasingly need academic and scientific input. Thus whilst both cultures have something to offer there is great benefit in them getting to understand each other so that they can work together more productively. It is the out of the interaction between these cultures, as sort of miscegenation, that more effective policing will emerge