NCJ Number
212879
Journal
Policing: An International Journal of Police Strategies & Management Volume: 28 Issue: 4 Dated: 2005 Pages: 654-661
Date Published
2005
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This article presents a critique of a previously published article on rural, small town, and metropolitan police in New Zealand.
Abstract
The main critique of Winfree and Taylor’s (2004) analysis of New Zealand police is that their sole reliance on a large survey methodology and statistical analyses, a quantitative approach, does not accurately reflect the situation of the New Zealand police. The authors argue that any research project is enhanced by the use of both quantitative and qualitative methods and analysis techniques. Winfree and Taylor’s (2004) quantitative analysis of policing in New Zealand is contrasted to previous research on policing in New Zealand that relied on qualitative methods and analysis techniques. Jaeger’s (2002) study focused on the barriers to recruiting police officers from minority groups and involved in-depth interviews with 20 sworn police officers. The results obtained from both studies are contrasted, particularly in terms of Winfree and Taylor’s (2004) interpretation of the ethnicity data, their finding of increased specialization among rural and small town police, and their categorization of work location. The methodological limitations of a survey approach are considered and general comments are offered regarding qualitative versus quantitative research. In closing, the authors note the rich research opportunities offered by New Zealand, which is home to a wide array of ethnic groups with different cultures and perspectives. References