Policing Critical Incidents

The aim of this book is to examine the qualities of leadership and decision-making in the police service.

Based on groundbreaking research using unique, advanced methods for examining policing in complex critical incident environments, the book focuses principally on a series of police debriefs following live major critical incidents. It captures the views of the Senior Investigating Officers (SIOs) who worked on these cases and draws upon the very rich set of experiences that they have had in dealing with complex, stressful and demanding enquiries.

The book provides an introduction to new methods for exploring leadership and decision-making in critical incidents. It will be an essential resource for developers of police training in leadership and decision-making, senior police officers involved in critical incident management, organisational psychologists who work within policing, and for students whose area of study covers policing, decision-making or criminal investigation.

Professor Laurence Alison is Co-director of the Centre for Critical Incident Research, University of Liverpool where he also holds a Chair in forensic psychology. He is a Chartered Forensic Psychologist, conducts research on investigative decision-making and leadership and has contributed to a number of major police enquiries as well as national police training programmes. His recent publications include (as editor) The Forensic Psychologist's Casebook (Willan Publishing, 2005).