Implementation fidelity in a loosely coupled system: the challenges of maintaining consistent ‘problem theory’ and ‘programme theory’ in a multi-force training pilot

ABSTRACTThis paper considers the organisational and institutional structures involved in the design and delivery of a police training pilot in England in 2015. The training pilot was implemented in six English police forces, and was developed by the College of Policing to improve police use of stop and search powers. Drawing on observations of training sessions and interviews with trainers, trained officers, training designers and national stakeholders in the design process, the paper examines the differences in delivery across forces, and considers key (dis)connections within the communications processes between and within police organisations. The paper examines the institutional and organisational aspects of this attempt to reform police behaviour, and demonstrates the importance of organisational boundary navigation in reform initiatives. This approach challenges predominant conceptualisations of resistant police (sub-)cultures as the main barrier to reform. More specifically, the paper considers clar...