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An Exploration of the Impact of COVID-19 on Police Demand, Capacity and Capability

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  • Eric Halford

    (Rabdan Academy, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 114646, United Arab Emirates)

Abstract

This project report outlines the findings of an initial exploratory study of the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on the demand, capacity, and capability of the police within the United Kingdom. Freedom of information requests provide data regarding employees affected by COVID-19, including those working from home. A survey of police employees adds richness by exploring the departments and specialist capabilities affected. Preliminary results indicate a shift in demand away from property-related and violent crime, to online criminality, and disorders such as anti-social behavior and breaches of coronavirus legislation. Combined with high volumes of absent employees throughout 2020, the study postulates a reduction in police satisfaction, trust, and confidence may have occurred in the response to cyber investigation and policing anti-social behavior. Investment in agile technology to increase workforce flexibility and improved contingency planning are identified as requirements to prepare for future pandemics and avoid repetition.

Suggested Citation

  • Eric Halford, 2022. "An Exploration of the Impact of COVID-19 on Police Demand, Capacity and Capability," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 11(7), pages 1-24, July.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jscscx:v:11:y:2022:i:7:p:305-:d:861355
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Kyriakos C. Neanidis & Maria P. Rana, 2023. "Crime in the era of COVID‐19: Evidence from England," Journal of Regional Science, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 63(5), pages 1100-1130, November.
    2. Stephen Sacks, 2003. "Evaluation of Police Patrol Patterns," Working papers 2003-17, University of Connecticut, Department of Economics.
    3. Michael Skidmore & Janice Goldstraw-White & Martin Gill, 2020. "Understanding the police response to fraud: the challenges in configuring a response to a low-priority crime on the rise," Public Money & Management, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 40(5), pages 369-379, July.
    4. Zaki, Ahmed S. & Cheng, Hsing Kenneth & Parker, Barnett R., 1997. "A Simulation Model for the Analysis and Management of An Emergency Service System," Socio-Economic Planning Sciences, Elsevier, vol. 31(3), pages 173-189, September.
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