Why Researchers Choose Policing & Society for High-Impact Publications
Policing & Society stands as a premier outlet for scholarly work in police and public safety, attracting researchers worldwide who seek to advance understanding of policing dynamics and societal implications. Established in 1991 by Taylor & Francis, this journal has evolved into a vital resource for criminologists, sociologists, and policy experts. Its rigorous peer-review process ensures that published articles contribute meaningfully to debates on law enforcement, community relations, and governance. With a focus on empirical and theoretical analyses, Policing & Society bridges academic inquiry with practical applications in public safety.
The journal's scope encompasses a broad spectrum of topics, from historical perspectives on policing to contemporary challenges like technology in law enforcement and diversity in police forces. Researchers value its international outlook, featuring contributions from diverse regions while maintaining a strong foundation in United Kingdom-based scholarship. The impact factor of 2.4, as reported in the latest Clarivate Journal Citation Reports, underscores its influence, placing it among respected publications in criminology. For those aiming to publish in Policing & Society, the journal's hybrid open access model provides flexibility, allowing authors to reach wider audiences without compromising quality.
Key strengths include its commitment to interdisciplinary approaches, integrating insights from sociology, law, and political science. Articles often explore critical issues such as police accountability, reform strategies, and the intersection of policing with social justice. This makes Policing & Society an attractive venue for scholars pursuing high-impact publications that inform policy and practice. The editorial board, comprising experts from leading institutions, ensures balanced and innovative content. As the field of police studies grows amid global security concerns, the journal's role in disseminating cutting-edge research becomes ever more essential.
To elevate your academic career, consider submitting your work to Policing & Society. For opportunities in related fields, explore criminology faculty positions to connect research with teaching roles.
Overview & History
Policing & Society was founded in 1991 to address the evolving landscape of police research. Initially published by Carfax Publishing, it transitioned to Taylor & Francis, enhancing its global reach. Over three decades, it has chronicled shifts in policing paradigms, from community-oriented models to responses to terrorism and cyber threats. The journal's volumes reflect societal changes, including post-9/11 security measures and movements for police reform. Today, it remains a cornerstone for studies on public safety, with over 30 years of archived content available via the official homepage.
Scope and Disciplines Covered
Policing & Society covers interdisciplinary topics in police studies, emphasizing empirical research on law enforcement practices and their societal effects. It welcomes manuscripts on theoretical frameworks, policy analyses, and comparative studies across cultures.
| Discipline | Description |
|---|---|
| Criminology | Focus on crime prevention and police responses. |
| Sociology | Examination of policing's social impacts. |
| Law | Legal aspects of police powers and accountability. |
| Political Science | Governance and policy in public safety. |
Key Journal Metrics
Policing & Society maintains strong metrics that highlight its academic standing. Data from Clarivate and Scopus provide insights into citation performance and accessibility.
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Impact Factor | 2.4 | Clarivate JCR 2022 |
| 5-Year Impact Factor | 2.7 | Clarivate JCR 2022 |
| CiteScore | 3.8 | Scopus 2022 |
| SJR | 0.912 | Scopus 2022 |
| h-Index | 52 | Scopus |
Indexing and Abstracting
The journal is indexed in major databases, ensuring visibility for authors. It appears in Web of Science (Social Sciences Citation Index), Scopus, and Criminal Justice Abstracts. Additional coverage includes Sociological Abstracts and PAIS International. For full details, visit the official journal homepage. This indexing supports discoverability in academic searches, aiding citations and career advancement. Researchers can also check academic calendar for conference alignments.
Publication Model and Fees
Policing & Society operates a hybrid model, offering subscription access with open access options. Article Processing Charges (APCs) for gold open access are £2,950 (approximately $3,750 USD), waivable for certain regions via Taylor & Francis policies. No fees apply for traditional subscription publication. Sherpa/RoMEO classifies it as green archiving compliant, allowing preprint deposits. This flexibility suits diverse researcher needs, from funded projects to independent scholars.
Submission Process and Guidelines
Submissions are handled through the ScholarOne platform at Taylor & Francis. Authors must adhere to guidelines: manuscripts up to 8,000 words, APA style, anonymized for review. The process involves initial editorial screening, double-blind peer review (average 3-4 months), and revisions. Detailed instructions are on the journal site. For preparation tips, see resources on police studies positions.
- Prepare abstract (150-200 words).
- Ensure originality via plagiarism checks.
- Include keywords for indexing.
Editorial Board Highlights
The editorial team features prominent scholars. Editor-in-Chief Michael Rowe (University of Leeds) leads with expertise in police culture. Associate Editors include Jennifer Wood (Temple University) on procedural justice and Sarah Charman (University of Portsmouth) on police education. International members from Australia, Canada, and Europe ensure global perspectives. Their collective experience drives the journal's quality.
Why Publish in Policing & Society?
Publishing here offers visibility in a niche yet influential field. With steady citation rates, articles gain traction among policymakers and academics. The journal's prestige enhances CVs, supporting tenure and grants. Open access boosts downloads, averaging 1,500 per article. For career growth, pair publications with Rate My Professor profiles to showcase expertise.
Comparison with Similar Journals
Policing & Society compares favorably to peers in scope and metrics, focusing more on societal aspects.
| Journal | Impact Factor | Scope Focus | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|
| Policing & Society | 2.4 | Societal policing impacts | Taylor & Francis |
| Policing: An International Journal | 2.1 | Global policing practices | Emerald |
| British Journal of Criminology | 3.2 | Broad criminology | Oxford |
| Journal of Research in Crime and Delinquency | 3.5 | Crime and delinquency | SAGE |
Researcher Tips for Successful Submission
To succeed, align your work with current calls, such as digital policing. Use clear methodologies and engage with recent issues. Revise based on feedback promptly. Network via criminology faculty jobs. Track metrics post-publication for impact. Additional links: tenure-track law enforcement roles, PhD programs in police studies, public safety research scholarships, criminology conferences 2024, academic CV builder, job search tips for researchers, policing policy fellowships, police reform webinars, author guidelines resources, academic networking, criminology grants, mentorship programs.