'The Copper's Nose': A Grounded Theory of a Policing Phenomenon

This thesis explores, defines, and theorises, for the first time, 'The Copper’s Nose' (Policing Sixth Sense): a phenomenon observed within policing. Employing Classic Grounded Theory Methodology and utilising primary interview data collected from officers across England and Wales, a substantive theory of the phenomenon is proposed. Integrating biological, psychological, and social dimensions, the resulting theory conceptualises the phenomenon and conducts retroductive analysis to posit the mechanistic and contributory components of its manifestation and development. The theory introduces three core concepts: 'Mediating', 'Updating', and 'Navigating', which are central to understanding the phenomenon's constitution, genesis, and influence. The phenomenon is defined as a context-dependent mediator between an officer and their environment, shaped by biopsychological factors, exposure(s), experience, and learning, and influencing decision-making and behaviour within the policing role. The thesis outlines areas for theoretical development, including the potential to measure and validate aspects of the theory, specifically those concerned with perceptual ability and interoceptive awareness. Future research avenues are proposed, including those relating to officer evaluations of 'risk' and threat detection, as well as recruitment and training strategies aligned with precision policing. The thesis proposes the factors that must be considered when legitimising the use of 'The Copper’s Nose' in practice, ensuring its appropriate application alongside practical models, such as the 'National Decision Model'. In summary, the thesis presents a seminal theory derived from primary data, offering practical insights into the identity and nature of 'The Copper’s Nose', and explores how it may be understood, developed, and applied within law enforcement.

Name dc:type.qualificationname

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

Doctoral

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

University of Cambridge

Year dc:date.issued

2025

Author dc:creator

• Quin, Emily

Advisors dc:contributor.advisor

• Bland, Matthew
• Dalley, Jeffrey
• Ariel, Barak

• Classic Grounded Theory
• Decision-making
• Gut Instinct
• Interoception
• Intuition
• Policing
• Sixth Sense

Licence

• https://apollo8-f-pro.lib.cam.ac.uk/bitstreams/0d765c55-3452-4bf1-a120-4219afb836bd/download
• http://purl.org/NET/rdflicense/allrightsreserved

Language dc:language

eng

DOI dc:identifier.doi

https://doi.org/10.17863/CAM.116544

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.repository.cam.ac.uk:1810/381314