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oai:www.repository.cam.ac.uk:1810/3813142025-03-12T01:43:27Zcom_1810_224423com_1810_256063col_1810_224424

'The Copper's Nose': A Grounded Theory of a Policing Phenomenon https://doi.org/10.17863/CAM.116544 Quin, Emily Bland, Matthew Dalley, Jeffrey Ariel, Barak This thesis explores, defines, and theorises, for the first time, 'The Copper’s Nose' (Policing Sixth Sense): a phenomenon observed within policing. Employing Classic Grounded Theory Methodology and utilising primary interview data collected from officers across England and Wales, a substantive theory of the phenomenon is proposed. Integrating biological, psychological, and social dimensions, the resulting theory conceptualises the phenomenon and conducts retroductive analysis to posit the mechanistic and contributory components of its manifestation and development. The theory introduces three core concepts: 'Mediating', 'Updating', and 'Navigating', which are central to understanding the phenomenon's constitution, genesis, and influence. The phenomenon is defined as a context-dependent mediator between an officer and their environment, shaped by biopsychological factors, exposure(s), experience, and learning, and influencing decision-making and behaviour within the policing role. The thesis outlines areas for theoretical development, including the potential to measure and validate aspects of the theory, specifically those concerned with perceptual ability and interoceptive awareness. Future research avenues are proposed, including those relating to officer evaluations of 'risk' and threat detection, as well as recruitment and training strategies aligned with precision policing. The thesis proposes the factors that must be considered when legitimising the use of 'The Copper’s Nose' in practice, ensuring its appropriate application alongside practical models, such as the 'National Decision Model'. In summary, the thesis presents a seminal theory derived from primary data, offering practical insights into the identity and nature of 'The Copper’s Nose', and explores how it may be understood, developed, and applied within law enforcement. University of Cambridge 2025-01-04 Thesis Doctoral Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) eng UKRI (ESRC) https://www.repository.cam.ac.uk/handle/1810/381314 https://apollo8-f-pro.lib.cam.ac.uk/bitstreams/94378464-485a-4b0e-bc12-38af6a91e37e/download 06ad0ad50953366a7d1a940b5bbdfec9 https://apollo8-f-pro.lib.cam.ac.uk/bitstreams/0d765c55-3452-4bf1-a120-4219afb836bd/download 87eda9de84448d1f82354d60eee3eb5f http://purl.org/NET/rdflicense/allrightsreserved Classic Grounded Theory Decision-making Gut Instinct Interoception Intuition Policing Sixth Sense