New Zealand Police has commenced the commissioning of the next three areas of research with the aim of ensuring fair and equitable policing for all our communities. This work is being overseen by an Independent Panel chaired by Tā Kim Workman. The research will initially look at three key areas:
- who Police stop and speak to, and how Police engages with them
- decision making around use of force
- decision making around laying charges.
A summary of the application process and research methodology and approach is outlined below. To express your interest, and to see the full research application guidelines, please contact UPD@police.govt.nz.
The research is expected to take place between 2022 and 2024.
Application Process
This is a two-stage application process made up of an initial Expression of Interest (EoI) and shortlisting by an Assessment Panel. For those that meet the assessment criteria, you will be invited to submit a detailed Request for Proposal (RfP). The Assessment Panel will comprise members of the Independent Panel.
The Assessment Panel will consider proposals that seek to undertake specific parts of the research, as well as those proposals that seek to address the research as a whole, involving individuals or organisations. The Assessment Panel encourage collaborative proposals, and might decide that several of those who have expressed an interest be invited to work together to submit a joint RfP. These individuals/providers will be advised accordingly.
Please note that the budget of the project is not assessed until the second stage of the application process when full proposals are submitted. At that point, a budget will be provided to guide this section of the full submission, along with the possibility of a joint RfP.
The Panel and Police are available to provide advice as applicants prepare the EoI or RfP submission, please refer to the contact information for details.
Step 1: Expression of interest
The first stage involves submitting an Expression of Interest (EoI) which will provide the Assessment Panel with an overview of your general approach to the research focus areas.
EoI submissions are due 5.00pm NZDT Friday 1 July 2022 and must be submitted in electronic format to the following email address UPD@police.govt.nz.
Step 2: Request for Proposal
Those that meet the initial assessment criteria and are selected by the assessment panel will be invited to submit a full application.
Full proposals are due 5.00pm NZDT Friday 26 August 2022 and must be submitted in electronic format to the following email address UPD@police.govt.nz.
Research Methodology and Approach
Methodology
In the research proposal, a critical component will be data collection. The methodology section should specify who is to be involved in the research – and in what way – and what data will emerge and in what form. The expectation is that a range of quantitative and qualitative methods will be required to produce the high-quality data.
Research Outputs
The aim of the research is to provide Police with information about the nature of fairness and equity, including bias/racism, in terms of the three actions identified by the Police Commissioner. One of the critical aspects of this research project is how best to capture and convey the data. Various approaches will be used to obtain data, including analysis of existing material held by the Police, field and participant observation, and the collection of stories from both Police and the communities. The research is intended to inform Police policies and procedures.
Kaupapa Māori
The specific methodologies and research practice will align with a Kaupapa Māori approach and the following mātāpono should be embedded in the research approach and practice:
- Kaitiakitanga
- Whakamana
- Manaakitanga
- Whanaungatanga
Further, drawing upon Te Huringa o te Tai (the New Zealand Police Whānau Ora Crime and Crash Prevention Strategy) and the Borrin Foundation guidelines, and in support of a Kaupapa Māori approach, and the mātāpono outlined above, we would expect:
- Māori specific knowledge, research, evidence; listening to and using Māori insights
- Assess policy changes and impact on Māori with reference to the Treaty of Waitangi
- Be a catalyst for change
- Address systemic issues
Partnership
Partnership is a key component of research practice and the delivery of outcomes, for both the Police and the communities involved. Inaia Tonu Nei refers to a Mana Ōrite model of partnership. The Police were one of the Crown agencies that signed the Mana Ōrite agreement with Inaia Tonu Nei which identifies key values for future relationships. In ensuring these partnership values, we would refer research providers to the Mana Ōrite agreement.
Mana Ōrite specifies that respective views be heard, considered, and afforded equal explanatory power. This means both parties acknowledge and accept each other’s unique perspectives, knowledge systems and world views as being equally valid to decisions made under the relationship.