Citation

Cooper C. J. Crim. Justice 1997; 25(2): 87-101.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1997, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/S0047-2352(96)00053-0

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This research provides a typology of police patrol conflict/dispute resolution processes/methodologies for addressing social interaction disputes (i.e., public disputes, community-based disputes, and interpersonal disputes). The methodologies that represent the focal point of the present research are mediation, problem solving, and problem management. These represent nonconventional methods of conflict/dispute resolution that can be practically and effectively applied by police officers in effecting police patrol objectives. Additionally, this article proffers a theoretical framework that underlies and propels the pragmatic application of the focal conflict/dispute resolution processes. There is a notion in police work that cops do not have time to be analytical and hence, are unable to employ nonconventional conflict/dispute resolution skills such as mediation. On the contrary, the present research illustrates how many alternative forms of conflict/dispute resolution (i.e., mediation) available to patrol officers are very consistent with the pragmatic realities of policing. Police officers, for example, can improve their effectiveness in achieving police patrol objectives through becoming skilled at mediation and problem-directed policing. Many police scenes are amenable to resolution through nonconventional conflict/dispute resolution methodologies. Uniformed patrol police officers are capable of becoming skilled conflict/dispute resolution professionals by employing these methods. They can fulfill this role if instructed as to specific methodologies as well as how, through the methodologies, to methodologically, systematically, and professionally manage conflict situations. The idea is not to turn street cops into social workers or social scientists, but to perfect what police officers have been doing all along: conflict resolution.