Key Themes in Policing is a series that is designed to fill a growing need for titles which reflect the importance of incorporating 'research informed-policing' and engaging with evidence-based policing within Higher Education curricula. It will reflect upon the changing landscape of contemporary policing as it becomes more politicised, professionalised and scrutinised, and draw out both change and continuities in its themes. For students, researchers and practitioners of policing and criminal justice, it is important to understand how recurring issues are impacting on the police and policing bodies, the criminal justice system and society more widely. Books in this series will support policing and criminal justice programmes at undergraduate and postgraduate level, by providing a comprehensive analysis of the research-based evidence available and reflect contemporary challenges in policing and related criminal justice, in light of such issues as police reform and conditions of austerity.