Police Accountability – Liability and Control Mechanisms of Police Work in Changing Environments

For several decades, “accountability” has been a topical term in research on policing. Its buzzword character obscures the numerous issues it encompasses, such as the liability of both institutional and individual actors, as well as the various mechanisms for controlling those entities. Uncovering these issues is crucial for adapting police oversight to the changing nature of police work, from transnational police cooperation to the policing of increasingly heterogeneous societies.
For example, it may not be immediately clear who can be held liable for actions in a transnational context where police officers from one country act in another. Furthermore, controlling police work in pluralistic societies can be more chal­leng­ing, as members of minority groups run the risk of being both overpoliced and underprotected.
This conference will analyze the different mechanisms of liability, control, and oversight for policing and police coop­er­ation in increasingly heterogeneous societies and transnational environments. It will also examine the challenges arising from police work conducted outside of its traditional territorial jurisdiction. In doing so, it will identify potential pitfalls and evaluate proposals for future development.
The conference will examine three key aspects of accountability that play a role in this context: liability in transnational police cooperation (i.e., ‘who’ is liable), existing national and European institutional control mechanisms (i.e., ‘how’ control is carried out), and possibilities for democratic accountability in personnel matters (i.e., how to identify the ‘good’ officers and ensure that they maintain their qualities abroad and vis-à-vis foreign citizens or refugees). In addition to considering these three aspects, the conference promotes an interdisciplinary approach by providing a forum for researchers with sociological, psychological, and legal backgrounds.

The conference is designed for academics conducting research on policing in the EU. 
As the number of places is limited, we encourage prompt registration. 
This will be an in-person event only.
Please note that registration constitutes a firm commitment to attend, and that travel and accommodation expenses will not be covered.

Registration deadline: 02/06/2026. Please register your participation using the following link (registration form).