Exploring police culture and reform strategies post charing cross: Insights from the literature

Abstract

This paper examines cop culture and potential strategies for reform, following the publication of the Hotton Report at Charing Cross Police Station. This paper critically examines previous academic literature, to contribute to a highly topical matter. It also identifies strategies which have the potential to weaken an established and negative police culture, currently operating within the Metropolitan Police. Research findings within this paper, identify how cop culture remains a powerful mechanism within policing, acting as a barrier to reform. However, the findings also uncover that change is possible, through implementation of avenues involving education, increased diversity and transformational leadership.