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Doing research with police elites in Ghana

Accepted version
Peer-reviewed

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Type

Article

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Authors

Sowatey, EA 

Abstract

jats:p Much of our methodological insights from researching policing in sub-Saharan Africa comes from studies of frontline officers. Consequently, many important methodological questions about research on senior police officers remain unanswered. This article addresses this gap by drawing on insights from interviewing senior officers in Ghana. It focuses on the challenges and opportunities in negotiating access, establishing trust during interviews and dealing with ethical dilemmas. We highlight the role of informal social networks and cultural practices of surprise visits, what we have termed strategic ambush, in securing formal approval for our research. However, this represented mere or putative access for which deference towards institutional gatekeepers was key to its actualization. Deference towards officers and extensive knowledge of the policing environment helped to put the senior officers at ease, and enhanced the chances of a successful interview. Finally, we offer reflections on our responses to unexpected ethical dilemmas that we faced in the field. </jats:p>

Description

Keywords

Deference, Ghana police, intruding outsiders, police elites, strategic ambush

Journal Title

Criminology and Criminal Justice

Conference Name

Journal ISSN

1748-8958
1748-8966

Volume Title

19

Publisher

SAGE Publications
Sponsorship
None