Existing research consistently demonstrates that individuals and communities of particular demographics experience greater contact with police and the criminal justice system as either victims, offenders, or both. Research also suggests that effectively connecting and communicating with the community improves the police-community relationship which enables police to better meet the expectations of the public. As such, the NSWPF is interested in gaining a better understanding of the individual and community level risk factors that most strongly predict whether individuals from communities with diverse demographic profiles are more likely to engage in, or become a victim of crime, and the implications of this on police resourcing. We are also interested in identifying ways that police can enhance their relationships with the public to improve community communication, confidence, and trust in police.
NSWPF is particularly interested in research into:
3.1 Research into appropriate strategies and intervention points to reduce the involvement of disadvantaged persons in the criminal justice system. What role can police play in preventing vulnerable individuals from becoming trapped in the disadvantage-criminal justice system cycle?
3.2 Research examining the implications of the geographical concentration of generational low-socio economic disadvantage (demonstrated by welfare and housing reliance) on policing and government agency resourcing