Policing: An International Journal Cover Image for Volume 49, Issue 4
Current Issue
Volume 49,
Issue 4,
16 July 2026

About the Journal

Policing: An International Journal is an international, interdisciplinary journal which publishes the latest research on all topics relevant to policing that focus on theory, policy, and/or practice. Previously published as PS (Police Studies: Intnl Review of Police Development) until 1996.

Submission information

Accepted manuscript types and word counts

  • Research Paper — up to 9000 words
  • Editorial — up to 3000 words
  • State-of-the-Art-Review

Please see the article types and word counts section on the about this journal page for more information. The word count includes all text, figures and tables. When estimating your total, please allow 280 words for each figure or table. Read more about the article types for this journal.

Reference style

Use the Harvard reference style. Read more about the reference types for this journal.

Keywords

Please include up to 6 short, relevant keywords that describe the main topics of your paper.

Peer review type

Double anonymous peer review. All submissions are sent to at least 2 independent and anonymous reviewers.

Open access options

This is a hybrid journal. Hybrid journals are subscription journals but offer all authors the option to publish their work open access. If you choose to publish open access you will be required to pay an article processing charge (APC). Alternatively you can opt for the green open access route and self-archive your article (at no cost to the author). Read more about our open access options.

Accepted languages

This journal only accepts manuscripts written in UK or US English.

Accepted submission files

Article files should be provided in Microsoft Word format.

View author guidelines

Calls for papers

Closes: 30th September 2026

Researchers collaborate with Crime Gun Intelligence Centers (CGICs) to advance knowledge about the CGIC mission and operations, and study their effects on law enforcement responses to gun crime...

Guest editor(s): Bryanna Fox, Ed McGarrell

Metrics snapshot

2025 Journal Impact Factor (Clarivate)
1.7
Downloaded articles in the last 12 months
167564

Publication timeline

Time to first decision
51.6 days
Acceptance to publication
40 days
Acceptance rate
27.9%

Journal information

Editor(s):
Professor Sanja Kutnjak Ivkovich
Professor Wesley Jennings

View full editorial team