Existing research consistently demonstrates that individuals and communities of particular demographics experience greater contact with police and the criminal justice system as either victims, offenders, or both. Research also suggests that effectively connecting and communicating with the community improves the police-community relationship which enables police to better meet the expectations of the public. As such, the NSWPF is interested in gaining a better understanding of the individual and community level risk factors that most strongly predict whether individuals from communities with diverse demographic profiles are more likely to engage in, or become a victim of crime, and the implications of this on police resourcing. We are also interested in identifying ways that police can enhance their relationships with the public to improve community communication, confidence, and trust in police.
NSWPF is particularly interested in research into:
3.1 Quantitative and qualitative analysis of crime patterns across NSW - Rigorous in-depth research into understanding why certain crimes occur in specific areas or under particular circumstances. This could involve exploring multiple SES, demographic, and environmental factors that may influence engagement in crime. This could be explored in any type of crime e.g., youth crime, financial crime etc.
3.2 Research into appropriate strategies and intervention points to reduce the involvement of disadvantaged persons in the criminal justice system. What role can police play in preventing vulnerable individuals from becoming trapped in the disadvantage-criminal justice system cycle?
3.3 Research examining the implications of the geographical concentration of generational low-socio economic disadvantage (demonstrated by welfare and housing reliance) on policing and government agency resourcing.
3.4 Examine the issue of victimology in cultural and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities with a focus on the facilitators and barriers in the reporting of crime and community confidence and trust in police and policing practices.
3.5 What current strategies are most effective in reducing alcohol-related crime in public places throughout the community?
3.6 How does the NSWPF ensure our services continue to meet community expectations?
3.7 Research surrounding the effectiveness of different communication strategies within varying media platforms to capture and generate key messaging relevant to target community audiences and demographics?
3.8 Research using publicly available data (e.g., social media) and surveys/polls to create a police public perception score indicating current public sentiment towards police and policing practices. This score could be calculated to act as a barometer on public perception towards our police force at any point in time.