Network methods

BACKGROUND: WHAT ARE POLICE SUBGROUPS? Policing is inherently collaborative. Officers develop strong bonds to navigate stressful, high-pressure situations, relying on teamwork, shared duties, and coordinated efforts to maintain public safety. These shared bonds sometimes create unofficial “subgroups” with unique identities or symbols known only to their members.

BACKGROUND: WHAT DRIVES OFFICERS TO USE FORCE TOGETHER? Police use of force tends to involve groups of officers rather than individuals acting alone. The impact of individual acts of police use of force is evident, but the way in which groups of abusive officers emerge within police forces is still not fully understood.