eprintid: 16330
rev_number: 24
eprint_status: archive
userid: 602
dir: disk0/00/01/63/30
datestamp: 2009-07-17 13:35:20
lastmod: 2015-07-19 02:40:00
status_changed: 2009-07-17 13:35:20
type: thesis
metadata_visibility: show
creators_name: Roach, J.
title: Unusual suspects: identifying active serious offenders by self-selection policing
ispublished: unpub
subjects: 14200
divisions: SJE
abstract: The present thesis examines the emergent and complementary investigative
method known as self-selection policing. This method seeks to identify minor
offences indicative of more serious criminality, whereby the serious offender
volunteers him or herself for warranted police attention by dint of committing a
minor (often considered innocuous) infraction of the law.
In early chapters a conceptual and theoretical underpinning for self-selection is
developed by exploring relevant criminological and psychological theory. Terms
and concepts are clarified early on, for example, discussion and clarity are
provided regarding what constitutes serious and minor offences and offenders.
Next, a series of exploratory studies is presented whereby specific minor
offences are identified and their utility as indicators (or ‘flags’) for more serious
criminality tested. These include non-compliance with Home Office Road
Transport Form 1 (HO/RT1), where drivers are required to present necessary
motoring documents to police within seven days, and the giving of false details to
police.
After presenting a theoreical and empirical case for using self-selection policing,
late chapters explore anticipated obstacles to its wider implementation. For
example, a study is presented which demonstrates a general overestimation of
offence homogeneity by police. The implications of this finding for self-selection
policing are discussed.
The present thesis concludes by suggesting where self-selection policing sits
both conceptually and theoretically within academic criminology, and within
operational policing. For example, suggestions are offered as to how police and
public might be convinced of the utility of self-selection policing and how it might
be best integrated with mainstream policing.
date: 2009-06
vfaculties: VENG
oa_status: green
thesis_class: doctoral_open
language: eng
thesis_view: UCL_Thesis
dart: DART-Europe
primo: open
primo_central: open_green
full_text_status: public
pages: 266
institution: UCL (University College London)
department: Department of Political Science
thesis_type: Doctoral
citation:        Roach, J.;      (2009)    Unusual suspects: identifying active serious offenders by self-selection policing.                   Doctoral thesis , UCL (University College London).     Green open access   
 
document_url: https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/16330/1/16330.pdf