Conceptualizing the International Policing Agenda

Abstract This chapter sets out the historical framework outlining the what and the types of activities of international policing, its investigation within the Western literature, the terminology and concepts encapsulated (including transnational policing, global policing, democratic police reform, capacity building), and their interpretation by theorists (academics) and practitioners. The chapter introduces the nature of international policing as part of wider processes of policing assistance within peace operations, police assistance to other countries under the umbrella international development, and broader security sector reform (including police reform). It provides an overview of key overlapping trends including pre-1989 UK police history, international aid and development, and the commercialization of policing.