The study of research methodologies can be daunting to many students due to complex terminology, mathematical formulas, and lack of practical examples. Now in its second edition, Criminal Justice Research Methods: Theory and Practice offers a straightforward, easy-to-understand text that clarifies this complex subject matter, keeping perplexing research language and associated complexities to a minimum and ensuring that students get a practical grasp of this essential topic. The authors discuss scientific inquiry, establishing a framework for thinking about and understanding the nature of research. They examine various types of research methods in the broad categories of quantitative, qualitative, and evaluation designs and provide coverage of analytical and experimental research designs. The book also examines survey methods, survey instruments, and questionnaires, including wording, organization, and pretesting. It describes the fundamental characteristics of the qualitative approach, setting the stage for an in-depth discussion of the participant observation and case study methods of research. Other topics include ethical standards of conduct, topic selection, literature review, and guidelines for writing a research report or grand proposal. The second edition features updated examples, reworked exercises, additional discussion points, and new research-in-action sections. Defining a clear approach to the study of research, the book enables student experiencing their initial exposure to this subject to be fundamentally prepared to be proficient researchers in criminal justice and criminology.

Striking a new tone, written in a straightforward manner with perplexing research language and associated complexities kept to a minimum, the first edition of Criminal Justice Research Methods: Theory and Practice broke new ground. Keeping this trademark style, the second edition covers important developments and updated examples in research methods and procedures, providing real-world scenarios to demonstrate methods as well as practical and theoretical aspects for each method. New in the Second Edition: * Updated examples * Reworked exercises * Additional discussion points * Updated research in the action sections * Revised figures and tables The authors discuss scientific inquiry, establishing a framework for thinking about and understanding the nature of research. They examine various types of research designs in the broad categories of quantitative, qualitative, and evaluation designs and provide coverage of analytical and experimental research designs. The book also examines survey methods, survey instruments, and questionnaires, including wording, organization, and pretesting. It describes the fundamental characteristics of the qualitative approach, setting the stage for an in-depth discussion of the participant observation and case study methods of research. Other topics include ethical standards of conduct, topic selection, literature review, and guidelines for writing a research report or grand proposal. Defining a clear approach to the study of research, the book covers a sufficient amount of material to allow first-time research students to get "comfortable." It prepares students who are experiencing their initial exposure to research to go out into the real world and become proficient researchers in criminal justice and criminology.

Effective police organizations are run with sound leadership and management strategies that take into account the myriad of challenges that confront today's law enforcement professionals. Principles of Leadership and Management in Law Enforcement is a comprehensive and accessible textbook exploring critical issues of leadership within police agencies. Every chapter includes key concepts, definitions, chapter objectives, and review questions. Organized in logical fashion, each new chapter builds on previous material for quick assimilation. Topics include: The evolution of the modern police department Leadership approaches and management theories Organizational structure of a police department Strategic short- and long-term planning Business approaches, including Six Sigma and COMPSTAT New technology such as computer-aided dispatch, vehicle monitoring, and crime mapping Managing police stress and the work environment Recruitment and training Legislative issues impacting police, including Title VII Policing in an era of advanced homeland security Ethical issues Suitable for a one-semester course, the book's easy reading style minimizes the need for memorization and reinforces salient points through boxed highlighted areas. Written by three renowned criminal justice experts, this volume encourages readers to think expansively and develop new insights into the future direction of police leadership and management.