This book highlights how the practical skills of the police officer can be transferred into the realm of academic research and support them in becoming part of the evidence-based policing movement. It starts by exploring the professionalisation of the police service through higher education accreditation and the different methodologies of social research practice. Using operational comparisons and a little humour, it guides the reader through the swamp of concepts and processes, such as ethical approval, research paradigms and data gathering and analysis. It then takes them on a journey of reflection and reflexivity, challenging their own perspective on policing and working within the wider criminal justice sector and how they can make a valuable contribution to the development of policing practice.