An Analysis of the Role of Police Forces in Controlling Violent Crimes in Iran

Violent crimes are among the most important crimes that arise the most sensitivities in the society. Accordingly, the present article aims to analyze the role of law enforcement in controlling violent crimes.

Qualitative research method is of content analysis type. The theme is a key element in this approach. The statistical population of the study was 18 people, including 7 MA students majoring in crime detection, 6 officers dealing with violent crimes, 2 commanders dealing with violent crimes and 3 faculty members of the Police University in 2021. Purposeful non-random sampling method was used to select from among the four above-mentioned groups (taking into account age diversity, years of services, rank, position, level of education, and category). Semi-structured in-depth interview method was used for data collection. To assess the validity and reliability of the data of the study, the criteria of acceptability, resemblance, and Brown and Clark (2006) determination and transferability were used. The codes obtained from the interviews were used by the J Attride-Stirling (2001) thematic network method.

Findings and conclusions indicate  that approximately 60% of police officers agree with the implementation of strict controls; 60% of them consider the interaction, cooperation and communication among the organizations responsible for  controlling violent crimes, especially the coordination of  judiciary and the police, to be effective in controlling violent crimes, and nearly 85% of people consider the implementation of violent crime control plans by the police,  are  evaluated  as organized, targeted-oriented and successful plans. Although some violent crimes (such as variety of quarrels); despite all its ups and downs, has not reduced significantly yet, the outlook for future research samples is positive. In their view, lack of appropriate and practical strategy, police not being supported at all levels, social status and conditions, legal and judicial problems and challenges, weakness in external communication, lack of interaction or inappropriate communication in particular with judiciary and criminal justice body are the most important challenges and hurdles related to the control of violent crimes.