The Adoption of Homeland Security Initiatives in Texas Police Departments: A Contextual Perspective

The application of theory has been lacking in explaining the advent of homeland security in post–September 11 policing. This study examines the utility of contingency and resource dependency theories in understanding the adoption of homeland security initiatives in Texas police departments. While at...

Full description

Saved in:  
Bibliographic Details
Authors: Stewart, Daniel M. (Author) ; Oliver, Willard M. 1967- (Author)
Format: Electronic Article
Language:English
Published: 2021
In: Criminal justice review
Year: 2021, Volume: 46, Issue: 1, Pages: 80-98
Online Access: Volltext (Resolving-System)
Journals Online & Print:
Drawer...
Check availability: HBZ Gateway
Keywords:
terrorism/homeland security
police processes
law enforcement/security
police organization/management
Description
Summary:The application of theory has been lacking in explaining the advent of homeland security in post–September 11 policing. This study examines the utility of contingency and resource dependency theories in understanding the adoption of homeland security initiatives in Texas police departments. While attending state-mandated leadership training, Texas police chiefs (n = 208) were surveyed as to structural and managerial changes implemented in their respective departments following September 11, 2001. Particular attention was given to the number of homeland security-related initiatives adopted, as reported by the participants. Using zero-inflated negative binomial regression, support was found for resource dependency but not for contingency theory; that is, the extent of homeland security initiatives was significantly associated with homeland security-related grant receipts but not with experience regarding homeland security–related incidents or threat levels.
ISSN:1556-3839
DOI:10.1177/0734016814551603