NCJ Number
54239
Journal
Police Journal Volume: 51 Issue: 3 Dated: (JULY-SEPTEMBER 1978) Pages: 251-260
Date Published
1978
Length
10 pages
Annotation
A DUTCH SOCIOLOGIST ARGUES FORCIBLY THAT RANDOM SAMPLES AND INDIRECT STUDIES WILL NEVER GIVE A RESEARCHER THE UNDERSTANDING AND KNOWLEDGE ACHIEVED BY DIRECT PARTICIPANT OBSERVATION.
Abstract
AFTER POINTING OUT THAT MOST SOCIOLOGICAL RESEARCHERS IN THE NETHERLANDS SHUN DIRECT PARTICIPATION AND OBSERVATION, REASONS WHY THIS METHOD IS THE ONLY RELIABLE WAY TO STUDY THE POLICE SUBCULTURE ARE LISTED. THE POLICE HAVE A TIGHTLY-KNIT ORGANIZATION AND THEY PROTECT THEIR SUBCULTURE BY BEING POLITELY VAGUE TO OUTSIDERS. IT IS ONLY AS A RESEARCHER STAYS WITH A GROUP OF POLICE OFFICERS LONG ENOUGH TO BE ACCEPTED THAT THIS RESERVE AGAINST OUTSIDERS IS BROKEN DOWN. THE CHICAGO SCHOOL OF SOCIOLOGY WAS THE MODEL FOR A STUDY OF THE WORLD OF THE WARMOESSTRAAT, THE INNERCITY OF AMSTERDAM. TECHNIQUES USED TO WIN THE CONFIDENCE OF A GROUP OF PATROL OFFICERS, TO OBSERVE THEIR INTERACTIONS WITH CITIZENS, AND TO DISCERN REASONS FOR THESE INTERACTIONS ARE DESCRIBED. THE ACTUAL STUDY IS REPORTED ELSEWHERE (AND IS LISTED IN THE BIBLIOGRAPHY). THIS PAPER FOCUSES ON THE TECHNIQUE, DEFENDS PERSONAL PARTICIPATION, AND URGES OTHER DUTCH RESEARCHERS TO GET OUT INTO THE FIELD. AN EXTENSIVE BIBLIOGRAPHY IS APPENDED. (GLR)