The case for the acceptable 'other': The impact of partnerships, PCSOs, and neighbourhood policing on diversity in policing

Policing in England and Wales has experienced several significant events and developments since the murder of Stephen Lawrence in 1993. Although the Lawrence Report is perhaps the most well-known among these, other initiatives such as multi-agency partnerships, the creation of the Police Community Support Officer role and the national roll-out of Neighbourhood Policing have also had a marked impact on the organization. Using findings from two research projects, this article will argue that policing in England and Wales is far more outward-focused and open to collaboration with a diverse range of people, agencies and staff than has ever been the case. This has led to a noticeable shift in cultural orientation among some segments of service. However, the current funding restrictions in policing put all of these developments, from operational matters to wider ethos, at risk.