In their own words: Police officers’ insights on identifying and overcoming contemporary policing challenges

This study uses semi-structured interviews to investigate 26 police officers’ insights on identifying and overcoming contemporary policing challenges in the UK. The findings reveal that the primary challenges include (a) public trust in the police, (b) police officers’ recruitment and retention, (c) resourcing and funding, (d) a lack of adequate training, (e) the undefined police role and (f) the prevention of complex crimes, mainly fraud and cybercrime. The study highlighted the reasons for these challenges and how they can be addressed, as seen through police officers’ eyes. The findings have implications for policing research, governance, leadership and legitimacy, which are later discussed. Points for practitioners Public management and administration practitioners must prioritise public trust, recruitment, training, resource allocation and addressing complex crime. Collaboration with police officers and their perspectives are vital in decision-making, policy development and police legitimacy. Strengthening accountability, integrity and officer training rebuilds public trust. Learning from attractive employers, broadening police roles to include intellectual abilities and improving pay and community trust address recruitment challenges.