Understanding Policing Delivery
About the project
The UPD research programme was conducted in two phases: Phase 1 included quantitative research using data already held by Police, including praise and dissatisfaction data and prosecutions data. Phase 2 included more qualitative research with communities and police staff, with a number of case studies looking into the experiences of people who are rarely researched (such as people who have been TASER-ed, rainbow and takatāpui communities, and disabled communities), as well as sites of Police innovation.
The multi-year research programme was managed by an Independent Panel. This included an independent Ethics Committee, chaired by Distinguished Professor Linda Tuhiwai-Smith, and an independent Research Management Committee, chaired by Distinguished Professor Paul Spoonley. Both committees provided assurance that the research is high quality and methodologically sound.
Another critical component of the research was ensuring it was informed by operational police officers. An operational advisory group was established early-on. The preparedness of frontline staff to engage in conversations about the nature and focus of the research was a notable feature of the UPD programme, and many operational staff commented being involved improved their practice.
The UPD research contributed to changes as key insights became available. It has gained interest from other policing jurisdictions globally, particularly as no other jurisdiction has conducted research this way before. It was world leading because it was research done with police, not on or to police.
Grant amount
$46,600 plus GST for the purpose of supporting the publication and final research activities of the Understanding Policing Delivery programme.
About
The UPD Independent Panel worked with Police from 2021 to 2024 to oversee research looking at the way in which Police engage with Māori and other communities impacted by policing, including Pasifika, disabled people, and rainbow communities. The research programme was driven by Māori and Pasifika research methodology.
The focus was on whether outcomes are fair and equitable for all. This is about the policing system, not about individual Police staff.
The programme provided advice, guidance, and research insights across a range of policing functions and particularly in relation to the three focus areas:
- who Police stop and speak to and how Police engage with them
- decision making and the application of use of force
- charging decision making.
Further information can be accessed from: https://www.police.govt.nz/about-us/programmes-and-initiatives/understanding-policing-delivery/research
Contact
For UPD Independent Panel:
Tā Kim Workman, UPD Pou Ārahi (and founding Chair)
kim@kiwa.org.nz
For Police:
Rebecca Etuale, Principal Advisor, Assurance Group, Police National Headquarters