PluS-i: Pluralisation of local urban security production

Identification of plural policing models

Plural policing differs locally and is reflected by different stakeholder constellations, structures, practices and processes. To understand the differences of plural policing, five case studies in different urban areas in Germany will be conducted. By sociological, political- and social-scientifical analysis different models of plural policing and their developments shall be identified.

Multi-perspective comparison of different models and developments in plural policing

Following an interdisciplinary and multi-perspective approach, PluS-i researches to which extent different models of plural policing correspond to the assumed demands of context adequacy, legitimacy, efficiency and effectiveness. Furthermore, PluS-i also investigates potential impacts on these demands by considering developments in policing.

Developments and impacts of plural policing

On the one hand, PluS-i aims to contribute to the scientific discourse on plural policing. The research group creates new insights by identifying models of plural policing, focussing on a relative rating of these models regarding the aspects of context adequacy, legitimacy, efficiency and effectiveness, and also considering developments in these particular policing models.

Providing practical information for a future design of plural policing

On the other side, PluS-i aims to transfer the academic findings to the practice by developing a concept of knowledge transfer together with end users and practitioners coming from politics, administration, economy, as well as society. This participatory procedure shall help to avoid potential reservations between practice and science.

Pluralism of stakeholders

Plural policing is characterised by a variety of public, private and civil stakeholders complementing the police as conventional and traditional provider of policing.

Pluralism of competences

Plural policing contains a vast spectrum of stakeholder competences ranging from limited private to wide ranging sovereign responsibilities.

Pluralism of topics

Plural policing deals with a multitude of police as well as non-police relevant issues such as aspects of public order and social phenomenons.

Heterogeneity of pluralism

From municipality to municipality, plural policing differs in stakeholder constellations, structures, practices and processes.

The sociological/social science perspective deals with the so-called context adequacy of the various plural policing models and citizens involvement in policing. Context adequacy describes policing actions and activities by stakeholders which are appropriate, according to qualifications, legal and accepted by the public.

The political science perspective addresses the legitimacy of the various plural policing models and the pluralised security policy. The focus is amongst others on aspects such as the impact of political influence and participation.

The economical science perspective analyses the efficiency of the various plural policing models. In this context, efficiency indicators shall be identified, studied and interpreted. Furthermore, model-specific incentive systems shall be analysed to examine their effects.

The administrative/social science perspective deals with the effectivity of the various plural policing models based on e.g. criminal activities, subjective security and the social perception/acceptance towards plural policing models.