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In a critical analysis of conventional understanding, leading authors Claire Davis and Marisa Silvestri present bold new conceptualisations of police leadership.

Drawing on empirical research in criminology, sociology and leadership studies, they present a thoughtful critique of the nature and practice of leadership in contemporary policing. The book:

- Critically explores the identities of leaders and their positions within wider organisational structures and processes;

- Provides a critique of contemporary reform to police professionalisation, training and education, equalities and diversity by situating these developments within wider historical, social and political contexts;

- Draws on critical theory to offer an alternative, challenging and novel interpretation of police leaders as not simply the result of individual experiences and attitudes, but of the social, institutional and historical processes of policing and the cultures that exist within it;

- Points towards future directions and a reimagining of leadership in the police.

Accessible and stimulating, this is an essential text for policing students and valuable reading for current leaders and those interested in policing, criminology and leadership.

“This is a ‘must read’ book for anyone studying or participating in leadership in policing. It is extremely well written, extensively sourced and highly topical in its focus...will rapidly become a leading text in its field.” Stephen Savage, University of Portsmouth

"A comprehensive summary of theory and literature skillfully interpreted to provide meaningful insights and future directions for police leadership practice and research. Essential reading for any police leader, student or teacher. " Keith Floyd, University of Leicester

Claire Davis is Lecturer in Criminology at the University of Leicester. Her research interests lie in the sociology of policing and the practice and experience of leadership, power and authority in a policing context. She is an Associate Inspector for Leadership with Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services and the Book Review Editor for Policing and Society.

Marisa Silvestri is Reader in Criminology at the University of Kent. Her main research interests lie at the intersections of gender, crime, justice, policing. More specifically, her research focuses on the gendered dimensions of police leadership and the development of more complex readings of police organisational culture(s). She sits on the editorial board of Policing and Society and is an Executive Committee member of the British Society of Criminology.

Introduction

The Contemporary Context of Police Leadership

Conventional Leadership Theories

Alternative Theories of Police Leadership

Leadership and Police Culture(s)

Leadership, Wellbeing and Resilience

Conclusion and Future Directions

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