From Critical Friend to Critical Confidant: Doing research with police quietly

For many criminologists, doing research in policing means adopting the stance of the 'criticalfriend' and with it offering constructive critical commentary on policing practice andinitiatives. This friendship, however, is often strained. Whilst academics feel thwarted byissues of access, dissemination and intellectual independence, law enforcement organisationsare uncomfortable with research that raises issues of data confidentiality, methodologicalpracticality, and applicability. Moreover, they are sensitive to public criticism, and maysimply ignore commentary which does not consider the broader operating context. This paperproposes that one way to strengthen the relationship between law enforcement and academiais to move from being a critical friend to critical confidant. It discusses the nature of theresearcher-policing relationship, and the challenges faced and benefits to be had by both sideswhen working more closely together. It concludes by suggesting that in order to develop atrusting and open friendship with police, there is a need to demonstrate trustworthiness, andthat a true friend may choose to not always publicly announce his or her criticisms.