Innovation in policing

Introduction

Although innovation is often seen as typical of Silicon Valley start-ups led by twenty-somethings, organisations of any type, size or can be innovative. This applies just as much as to policing organisations as it does to anyone else.

In this course we will consider the nature of innovation, most particularly as it applies to policing. This will include understanding not just how innovation applies in a policing context but also considering some key innovations in policing and how they have developed. The insights gained into innovation are relevant not just for those in policing but also for anyone in the community or in community organisations who wishes to positively influence new approaches and new ways of working by police. By better understanding both innovation and innovation in policing, these opportunities can be more effectively developed for broader social benefit.

After studying this course, you should be able to:

• outline various ways in which innovation can be understood and how it differs from other, related concepts such as creativity
• discuss key forms of innovation in policing
• outline key methods and frameworks for innovation
• discuss ways in which organisations can become more innovative
• outline the role of leaders and leadership in supporting greater innovation.