Broadening Their Horizons: Preparing Police Leaders to Conduct Dependable Qualitative Research

A Presentation to the Distance Education Technology Symposium

June 13, 2008 - Edmonton, Alberta

Cynthia Blodgett, Ph.D. – ISIS Research Coach

Norman E. Taylor, MDE – ISIS Program Director

Canadian Policing

• 225 police agencies in Canada

• 100 have fewer than 25 members

• Range from 1 to 23,000 members

• Projected 50% turnover in senior leadership

• Different sources and levels of funding

• Differentiated staffing considerations

Institute for Strategic International Studies (ISIS)

• Conceived by senior police, military and justice officials in the wake of 9/11 in recognition of emerging challenges to police leadership development

• A unique executive development program for succession-ready senior leaders in policing

• Developed and executed by the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police (CACP)

• Pilot version designed by national team of police educators assembled and led by CACP Executive Advisor Chief Trevor McCagherty (Ret.) and Norm Taylor, Program Director

• Third cohort (2003, 2006, 2008)

• Goal of advancing an intelligentsia in policing and bringing about systemic changes to police culture and practices in Canada

• Built on a problem-based learning (PBL) model

What is …. ISIS?

A problem-based learning (PBL) model that combines real-life challenges and deliverables with an online community of practice, academic learning, research and field study to address current challenges in Canadian policing

A rigorous and global developmental experience for current and future leaders

What is …. Executive PBL?

An educational approach that is based on “andragogy, philosophy, psychological educational research, teaching and learning, curriculum design … a process of building on prior knowledge, problem solving, using critical thinking approaches, and reflecting” (Haslett, 2001).

The problem drives the learning; an “instructional strategy in which students confront contextualized, ill-structured problems and strive to find meaningful solutions” (Rhem, 1998).

“The problem grows out of the conditions of the experience being had in the present … is within the range of the capacity of students’ experience … such that it arouses in the learner an active quest for information that is production of new ideas. The new facts and new ideas thus obtained become the foundation for further experiences in which new problems are presented” (Dewey, 1979).

A method of instruction “where behaviour and decision making follow from the individual’s own set of tools and resources” (Cooper, 1993).

In a PBL world, evaluation “becomes not a test of the subject matter under review but an examination of the extent to which people learn anything about themselves in relationship to the subject matter” (Scott 1998).

2003

A Multi-agency Prototype Design

Some History ….

A Global Survey Approach to Research

12 Police Leaders from 8 AgenciesRCMP – 4 (C/Supt., Supt., Insp.) OPP – 2 (D/Comm., Civ. Prov. Cdr.)

CDN Forces – 1 (Captain)

Municipal Police Services:• Ottawa – 1 (Insp., Civilian Director)• Durham – 1 (Supt.)• Waterloo – 1 (D/Chief)• Hamilton – 1 (Insp.)• Edmonton – 1 (Supt.)

IBPRP - 2003

For ISIS 2006:

Enhancements and Refinements

• A more overt concentration on PBL – student awareness

• A tighter mandate and research focus for the study

• Administrative and travel planning improvements

• Change of venue for workshops

• Broader range of expert inputs

• Increased use of the online community-of-practice model

• Budgeted resources for report writing

Nova Scotia

New Brunswick

Ontario

NorthwestTerritories

Nunavut

British ColumbiaAlberta

Manitoba

Saskatchewan

Quebec

Yukon

Canada

Continue..

17 Police Leaders from 11 AgenciesRCMP – 6 (Supt., C/Supt., Insp.) OPP – 2 (C/Supt., Civ. Director)

Surete du Quebec – 1 (Capitaine) CDN Forces – 1 (Major)

Municipal Police Services:• Halifax – 2 (Supt., Insp)

• Ottawa – 1 (Supt.)

• Durham – 1 (Insp.)

• Toronto – 1 (Supt.)

• Waterloo – 1 (Supt.)

• Winnipeg – 1 (Insp.)

ISIS 2006

Policing that is Affordable, Accountable, Ethical and Sustainable

The Canadian Policing Community, others in the Criminal Justice System, and Government at all levels

are seeking a Newly Articulated Model for …….

The ISIS Team will be challenged to develop a “Turning Point” document for the benefit of the CACP and the broader community – one that will draw lessons and insights from specific practices and global experiences with a view to advancing the bigger questions

facing police services and their stakeholders in Canada

ISIS 2006

Northern Ireland & Republic of Ireland

England & Wales

Austria & France

The Netherlands & Germany

ISIS 2006 Research Sites

ISIS 2006 Recommendations

• ISIS 2006 is calling for a National Policing Strategy

• CACP must take immediate steps to fully mobilize the Canadian police leadership community to become the legitimate “architects” of policing in Canada

• This framework must serve to:– define policing for all Canadians, – ensure adequate and uniform response to all levels of crime and threats

to public safety, – embed all policing at the local level, and – enable a self-stabilizing rationalization of national police resources

2008 Update:

The CACP will introduce its National Framework for Progressive Policing in Canada (NFPP) by way of a Members’ Resolution this August at Montreal.

For ISIS 2008:

Enhancements and Refinements

• Continued concentration on overt PBL

• A move toward interpretive social science and qualitative research methodology

• Advanced planning for academic publication of research

• Introduction of Dr. Cynthia Blodgett, ISIS 2008 Research Coach

• More diverse range of expert inputs (policing, human resources, sociology, criminology, political economy, political science, education and community services)

• Increased use of the online community-of-practice model

• Introduction of research tools: online databases, audio recording tools, consolidated data storage (25 gb of data assembled and catalogued by ISIS 2008 to date).

Nova Scotia

New Brunswick

Ontario

NorthwestTerritories

Nunavut

British ColumbiaAlberta

Manitoba

Saskatchewan

Quebec

Yukon

Canada

21 Police Leaders from 13 AgenciesRCMP – 6 (C/Supt., Insp.) OPP – 2 (Supt.)

Surete du Quebec – 1 (Capitaine) CDN Forces – 1 (Lieut. Col.)

Municipal Police Services:• Halifax – 2 (Supt.)• Ottawa – 2 (Insp., Civilian Director)• Montreal – 1 (Insp.-Chef)• Peel – 1 (Supt.)• Halton – 1 (Supt.)• Waterloo – 1 (D/Chief)• York – 1 (D/Chief)• Edmonton – 1 (Supt.)• Vancouver – 1 (Insp.)

ISIS 2008

How is ISIS Structured?

Workshop 1 – Academic Study & Expert Inputs

Workshop 2 –Study Planning & Research Design

Workshop 3 – Synthesis & Interim Report

Global Field Studies

Presentation to CACP Peers

Sub-Team Final Report

Writing

Online Community Academics & Research

Online Community Academics & Research

JANUARY

JUNE

AUGUST

Total Program Time Commitment

Independent Study: 60 hrs

Workshop Study: 140 hrs

Field Study: 120 hrs

Writing Team: 30 hrs

Total Study Time: 320 – 350 hrs

ISIS Online (via Moodle)

• A private, dedicated e-learning platform

• A community-of-practice (CoP) concept

• Multiple Forums – Full Group and Sub-Teams

• Multiple Databases – Over 280 Research Documents

• Operates January through August

• Moving towards an ongoing Alumni CoP Site in 2008-09

SundayFebruary 24

MondayFebruary 25

TuesdayFebruary 26

WednesdayFebruary 27

ThursdayFebruary 28

FridayFebruary 29

A.M. The ISIS ProductCACP Strategy &

Intro: Steven Chabot2008 Theme:

Policing Capacity Challenge #1:2500 Officers?

ISIS PresentationFeedback from Jack

Ewatski & Guest Panel

Police Leadership in Canada

The ISIS Research Model

Guest Speaker: Cynthia Blodgett

Athabasca Univ.Research Validity

Challenges

The ISIS 2008 Research Question

Consolidation

Guest Speaker:Geoff GrusonStatus Report &

Emerging Issues in HR from Sector

Council

Global Scan Developing Proposed

Travel Envelopes Consultations with

Liaison OfficersGroup Work

Fine-Tuning the Site Study Themes

Final Sub-Team Formations

Focus of ISIS 2008 Team ResearchIntroduce Mentor

Team(Mentors: A. Lockridge, M. Ennis, M. Sekela,

M. Mann)

ISIS 2008 Team

PresentationField Methods and

Logistical Considerations

Overview of Interim Planning ActivityFinal Site Liaison

Development Introduce Travel

Advisor(Advisor: Anna Spina)

Defining Initial Travel Support

RequirementsCLOSE – 2:00 pm

P.M. Arrival and Reception

(Guest Panel: L. Gravill, T. McCagherty, M. Ewles)

The ISIS ProcessStudy Teams and Topics, Target Sites and the Research Process

Qualitative Research

Methodology: Options and

ConsiderationsFor ISIS 2008Workshop

Challenge # 2:QL Focus Groups

Capacity to do What?

Focus-Sessions withC.W. Jefferys HS &

Business RepsFeedback from ISIS

on Focus GroupsResearch Model Working Session

Group Work Continued

Evening The ISIS JourneyTrevor

McCaghertyTeambuilding and Prep for Challenge

1

Group WorkAssembly of Pre-Work Research

Group WorkFine-Tuning the Core

Theme

Guest Speaker: Chief Brian MullanUpdates on Public &

Private Policing

Group WorkFinal Development of

Initial Study Plan Presentations

Ongoing Study Teams – Envelope and Topic DevelopmentGlobal Research – Site Selection and Travel Planning

Workshop # 1 – Agenda

Workshop # 2 –Agenda

SundayMarch 23

MondayMarch 24

TuesdayMarch 25

WednesdayMarch 26

ThursdayMarch 27

FridayMarch 28

A.M. Context:21st Century

Policing in CanadaN. Taylor: Presentation

and DiscussionContinued from Week 1

______________

Guest PresenterMichael Kempa

University of OttawaPolicing in the Context of Global Political Economy

New forms of Governance: Northern

Ireland

Guest PresenterJames Sheptycki

York UniversityBalancing Capacity with

Public Expectations – ILP and a Transnational Ethic

______________

Panel DiscussionISIS Team

Representatives and Guests

ISIS 2008 in ContextN. Taylor - Moderator

Field Studies and Combined Research Planning

Informal Working Day

Revisit ISIS Learning Model

Identify Challenges and Strategies for Field

EffectivenessReview of Technology and Communication

SystemsFurther Development of the Research Products

In-depth Field Study Planning and

Integration

In-depth Field Study Planning (continued)

Finalizing and Integrating Full

Team Presentation

Luncheon Speaker

Hon. Janet EckerPolitics and Leadership

in Public ServiceIncludes Guest VIP

Advisory Panel(C/Ewles, C/Torigian,

DC/Tetzlaff,C/Supt. Mazerolle)

ISIS 2008 Presentation to

Guest VIP Panel Discussion of Research

Goals and Study Outcomes

Informal Reception

ISIS Team and Guests

Full Team Review of Panel FeedbackFinal Issues and Strategies for EffectivenessIdentify Final Travel and Support RequirementsFinalize Processes for Ongoing Assembly and Synthesis of Field Research Data

P.M. Evening StartIntra-Team

Presentations & Discussion

Updates on Target Sites and Focus of

StudiesPreview: Development

of the Research

Products

TEAMS EMBARK ON FIELD STUDY

PHASE

Evening Individual Teams’ Working Time

Individual Teams’ Working Time

Ongoing Study Teams – Theme and Sub-Topic DevelopmentGlobal Research – Site Knowledge and Travel Planning

Workshop # 3 – Agenda

SundayMay 25

MondayMay 26

TuesdayMay 27

WednesdayMay 28

ThursdayMay 29

FridayMay 30

A.M. Final Guest Advisory Panel

Presentations and Discussion of

Research Outcomes and Proposed ISIS 2008 Report

ISIS Team

ReceptionTeams, Faculty Guests, Staff

P.M.

Evening

Ongoing

Final Report Writing Workshop (Kingston)Sub-Team Representatives (Volunteers) & Norm Monday to Wednesday (noon) Writing

Others Available Via Conference Call

Research Focus 2008:

The Policing Capacity Crisis in Canada

Qualitative Research to examine the relative success of existing solutions and experimental deployment models in a global context

The Policing Capacity Crisis in Canada

Qualitative Research to examine the relative success of existing solutions and experimental deployment models in a global context

At the Outset:

What does this mean?

Where in the world might we learn something of value?

Why should we go there?

Who do we know there?

Who do you want to work with?

When do you want to travel?

ISIS 2008

Qualitative Method Seminar

Changing Perspectives

ISIS 2008 - Qualitative Method Seminar

Objectives:

• Develop a practical understanding – Interpretive thought– QL paradigm

• Appropriate research disciplines• Preparation for potential scholarly

publication of results

ISIS 2008 - Qualitative Method Seminar

Exercises

• Assumptions• Research Question• Interview Questions• Interviewing• Synthesize Data• Test• Validity - Adequacy

The purpose of this multiple case study is to explore responses to societal and environmental conditions, in

select international settings, that have affected the ability of the policing sector to balance capacity with

public expectations.

Research Statement

As Developed by ISIS Team

ISIS 2008 - Qualitative Method Seminar

ISIS 2008 - Qualitative Method Seminar

Areas of Inquiry• Environment

• Types of policing, political changes, public expectations

• Pressures• Demographic, financial, political

• Responses• Legislative change, reorganization, restructuring, outsourcing

• Results• Public satisfaction, public safety, crime rates

• Future• Where they see themselves going

ISIS 2008 - Qualitative Method Seminar

Validity - Adequacy

• Reflexive • Peer review• Triangulation• Test• Rich, thick descriptions• External audit

Outcomes

• Interpretive thinking• Investigating beyond numbers• Appreciation for differences• Broader and deeper focus on ‘lived experience’ of police

leaders, police service members, partners and communities• Heightened recognition of multiple dimensions to the

capacity question

ISIS 2008 - Qualitative Method Seminar

Personal Outcomes … In Their Own Words

ISIS 2008 Field Study Sites

• Australia, USA• Belgium & Switzerland• England, Scotland, Wales• Ireland & Northern Ireland• Israel & Palestinian Authority

Solutions for Policing Capacity in Canada: Key Themes

• Alignment with civil society• Leadership development• Service delivery and role of police in society• Human Resource systems and strategies• Technology and advantages• Accountable engagement and partnerships

ISIS 2008 Preliminary Findings – To be Developed in Final Report

The Future of ISIS

• ISIS is now represented by 50 Alumni across Canada in positions ranging from Chief (Regional Service), Deputy Commissioner (RCMP), Canadian Forces Deputy Provost Marshall, and multiple Deputy Chiefs, Chief Superintendents, Superintendents and Inspectors.

• To date, ISIS has involved 18 police and justice agencies.

• To date, ISIS has studied policing issues in 19 nation-state jurisdictions.

• The CACP Executive has approved ISIS 2009 and registrations are now underway.

• An ISIS Alumni-driven – Police Leadership Community-of-Practice – will be proposed to the CACP Board this August.

For Published ISIS Reports and Continuing Information Please Visit www.cacp.ca/isis

Thank you

References

Cooper, P.A., (1993). Paradigm shifts in designed instruction: From behaviourism to cognitivism to constructivism. Educational Technology, May 12-19.

Bogdan, R. C., & Biklen, S. K. (1992). Qualitative research for education: An introduction to theory and methods. Needham Heights, MA: Allyn and Bacon.

Charmaz, K. (2007). Constructing grounded theory: A practical guide through qualitative analysis. Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications, Inc.

Creswell, J. W. (2003). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches (2nd ed). Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications, Inc.

Creswell, J. W. (1998). Qualitative inquiry and research design: Choosing among five traditions. Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications, Inc.

Dewey, J. (1979). Experience and Education. First Touchstone Edition. Simon & Schuster Inc.

Erlandson, D. A., Harris, E. L., Skipper, B. L., & Allen, S. D. (1992). Doing natural inquiry: A guide to methods. Newbury Park, CA: Sage.

Haslett, L. (2001). 1969: McMaster University introduces problem-based learning in medical education. In Daniel Schugurensky (Ed.), History of Education: Selected Moments of the 20th Century (online). Retrieved October 12, 2004 from: http://fcis.oise.utoronto.ca/~daniel_schugurensky/assignment1/1969mcmaster.html.

Lincoln, Y. S. & Guba, E. G. (1985). Naturalistic inquiry. Beverly Hills: Sage.

Rhem, J. (1988). Problem-Based Learning: An Introduction. Retrieved October 12, 2004 from: http://www.ntlf.com/html/pi/9812/pbl_1.htm.

Scott, S. (1998). Philosophies in action. In S. Scott, B. Spencer & A. Thomas (Eds.), Learning for life: Canadian readings in adult education. Toronto: Thompson Educational Publishing, Inc. p. 102

Stake, R. E. (1995). The art of case study research. Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications, Inc.