Do We Need to Know Each Other? Bridging the Gap Between the University and the Professional Field

Abstract

The university and the policing professional field are commonly viewed as separate worlds that have trouble working together, each with their own objectives, values, methods, and processes. It is argued that they need to know each other better and to collaborate for the best of education, professional practice, and research. To achieve this, crime, security, and policing, rather than technology, have to be recognized as a common object of interest. In this perspective, the article describes the specific position and culture of the School of Criminal Justice of the University of Lausanne, Switzerland, in terms of proximity with policing organizations. It details the means developed over a century to build strong and fruitful relationships, such as shared PhD-professional positions, continuous education and training courses, collaborative student projects, or community-building initiatives. The advantages of such a close relationship, potential risks and limitations attached to it are discussed. The article advocates putting science and problem-solving at the crossroads of both worlds, and calls for an open-minded and optimistic approach of relationships between policing organizations and the university.