Research study on polycrisis, its influence on trust and legitimacy of policing and border security : final report

The "Research Study on Polycrisis" was carried out for the European Border and Coast Guard (Frontex) between January and April 2024 in support of the International Action Learning Group (IALG) "Pearls in Policing" assignment for 2023/2024, which addressed the topic of "The Future of Policing: Fostering Trust and Legitimacy". The IALG brings together representatives of law enforcement organisations from across the globe with the purpose of sharing experience to build knowledge and improve practices in policing. More specifically, this study was designed to provide an analysis of polycrises in relation to policing and border security, and to assess their impact on trust, legitimacy, human capital and emerging technologies in these domains. The outcomes of the study can serve as a baseline for global law enforcement organisations to review and evaluate the extent to which they are able to anticipate polycrises effectively and leverage solutions to mitigate their effects. The overarching aim of this study is not merely to highlight issues and possible challenges, but to seize the opportunity to comprehensively understand and positively influence the future of policing and border security. By framing the research questions in a positive light, the IALG is taking a proactive stance on addressing potential internal risks and leveraging emerging opportunities. The scope of this study encompassed an exploration of the effects of polycrises on trust, legitimacy, human capital and emerging technologies within both the operational and organisational dimensions of policing and border security.