Comparing volunteer policing in Malaysia, England and Wales and the United States of America: cross-national findings

Purpose This article offers a tri-national comparison between Malaysia, England and Wales the United States of America Design/methodology/approach It is based on reviewing, collating, comparing contrasting previous research findings official reports topic with view to identify recurrent commonalities in three countries studied. Findings Three key common themes are identified presented article: (1) The relevance cultural positioning volunteers policing; (2) importance understanding roles capability police volunteers; (3) recognizing prerequisites for recruitment nature their subsequent training. Research limitations/implications We suggest that more detailed comparative studies volunteer policing structures officer would be valuable. Practical implications practice these discussed, potential value major challenges carrying out cross-national national study field shown. Social paper discusses important issues role volunteerism criminal justice society. Originality/value There few international comparisons even fewer compare approaches Western Eastern countries. first do so.