9. The politics of global policing

Abstract

This chapter explores the impact of globalization on the architecture of policing, its organizational culture, priorities, and practices. Following a discussion of the context of the globalization of the economy, communications, and governance, the chapter examines the growth in the power and scope of transnational policing and its emergence as a field of study. The chapter explores the development of global policing organizations (such as Interpol and UNPOL), regional policing agencies (such as Europol), and the development of national hubs (such as the UK National Crime Agency). It explores the role of foreign police agencies acting abroad, the emergence of the overseas liaison officer as a policing specialism, and how global developments are shaping local policing. The chapter concludes with an assessment of the impact of globalization on debates about national and local police capacity, accountability, and control.