Discussion title: The Realities, Pros, and Cons of Two Viewpoints on Policing: Weisburd and Neyroud’s Police Science and Sparrow’s Governing Science
Background In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on using science and evidence-based approaches in policing. This has led to the development of two different viewpoints on the role of science in policing: Weisburd and Neyroud’s Police Science and Sparrow’s Governing Science. As a policing leader, it is important to understand the realities, pros, and cons of these two viewpoints and the tensions that exist between them.
Objectives After completing this assignment, students should be able to:
- Understand the key principles of Weisburd and Neyroud’s Police Science and Sparrow’s Governing Science
- Analyze the pros and cons of each viewpoint
- Understand the tensions that exist between Police Science and Governing Science
- Apply the principles of Police Science and Governing Science to real-world policing situations
Instructions
- Read Weisburd and Neyroud’s Police Science: Toward a New Paradigm and Malcolm Sparrow’s Governing Science.
- Analyze the key principles of each viewpoint and identify the pros and cons of each.
- Compare and contrast the two viewpoints, focusing on the tensions that exist between them.
- Apply the principles of Police Science and Governing Science to a real-world policing situation. Discuss how each viewpoint might approach the situation and the potential benefits and drawbacks of each approach.
- Reflect on the implications of these two viewpoints for policing leadership. How can police leaders balance the need for evidence-based practices with the need for transparency and accountability? What are the key challenges in implementing these two viewpoints in practice?
The discussion should be 700-800 words long and written in APA style.
Grading Criteria The assignment will be graded on the following criteria:
- Demonstrate your understanding of the key principles of Weisburd and Neyroud’s Police Science and Sparrow’s Governing Science and the tensions between the two. (It’s interesting to note that the two very eminent authors, Weisburd and Sparrow, of these two papers became very heated with each other over the two papers at a conference)
- Analyze the pros and cons of each viewpoint
- Compare and contrast the two viewpoints, focusing on the tensions that exist between them
- Apply the principles of Police Science and Governing Science to a real-world policing situation
- Reflect on the implications of these two viewpoints for policing leadership
Understanding the principles and tensions of Weisburd and Neyroud’s Police Science and Sparrow’s Governing Science is critical for effective policing (and CJ generally) leadership. By analyzing the pros and cons of each viewpoint and understanding the challenges in implementing them, leaders can develop strategies that balance evidence-based practices with transparency and accountability. This assignment provides you with the opportunity to explore these issues and develop your understanding of the role of science in policing.