ABSTRACT
This chapter provides a comprehensive discussion of the data collected to study what are assumed to be aspects of police militarization, and the methodologies used to gather that data. First, a historical content analysis is discussed, explaining the use of databases and keyword search terms to uncover a variety of newspaper articles that include information on the use of firearms in policing from different cities. Second, survey item construction and distribution to a convenience sample of police officers attending the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s National Academy is discussed. This section clarifies how the participants can provide both organizational information as well as professional opinion regarding issues of police militarization. A third section reviews the interview process that was utilized with police chiefs and tactical officers. Finally, a snowball sample data collection methodology is reviewed as an avenue to gather detailed information on police training and policies.
