How critical thinking can transform policing

Strong and ethical leadership can transform policing, according to a new book chapter by the University of East London’s Professor John Coxhead.

Professor Coxhead of the Policing Innovation, Enterprise and Learning Centre wrote the chapter, "The Thought Police" for Springer's 2023 release of Police Leaders as Thinkers, edited by Professors Dilip K. Dass of Coppin State University, Baltimore, and Arvind Verma, of Indiana University.

The book explores policing leaders who have transformed their organisations by taking a critical thinking approach. The book has international contributions from experts in the USA, Canada, Israel, India, South Africa and Japan; whilst Professor Coxhead's chapter focuses upon the UK. 

The UK chapter looks specifically at the work of  Dr Paul Gibson, who leads a regional special operations unit, exploring how an enabling leadership culture can boost performance and innovation.

Professor John Coxhead said, "Having thinking leaders who can critically and independently make intelligent decisions to deliver publicly accountable performance, within an ethical culture, has never been more vital given the recent Casey Report. This timely new book brings together leading international best practice about the most enlightened and progressive exemplars of policing leadership at a time when policing desperately needs to learn lessons in improving its service and culture."

The chapter on UK policing shows how critical thinking, performance and enabling cultures can all come together with the right sort of leader, illustrated through both annotation and interview-based real-world examples. 

The book can be ordered via Springer (Switzerland) - Police Leaders as Thinkers | SpringerLin