ETT POLITISKT SLAG I LUFTEN? En kvalitativ studie om polisers syn på brottsbekämpande åtgärder

Abstract

In regards to policy making, the implementation process is considered crucial to achieve satisfactory results that correspond with the preferred political outcome. However, concerning the political debate on counteracting gang crime the views of relevant street level bureaucrats, policemen, to a large extent remain unrecognized. The aim of this study is to examine whether policemen in their role as street level bureaucrats share the views presented in the political debate regarding policies presented in Sweden to counteract gang crime or if their views differ. This study focuses on three policies presented in the political debate to counteract gang crime: implementation of youth centers, inspection zones and the crown witness system. In order to gather the empirical data needed the method chosen was to conduct semi structured interviews with police officers in Sweden. The interviewees were asked questions regarding their stance on the polices chosen to evaluate whether or not their perceptions aligned with the perceptions presented in the political debate or if their role as street level bureaucrats resulted in dissimilar perceptions. The findings of the study show that the perceptions of police officers to a certain extent does deviate from the perceptions represented in the political debate regarding measures taken to counteract gang crime. The results presented in this study indicate a need for further research regarding street level bureaucrats role in the political debate moving forward.