Vol. 11 No. 2 (2023): Salus Journal

Welcome to Salus Journal Issue 11 No. 2. This current issue is a compendium of cutting-edge research and insightful perspectives that exemplify the forefront of academic inquiry.

The interdisciplinary nature of Salus Journal is reflected in the topics covered in this issue. Our contributors hail from around the globe, bringing unique perspectives and methodologies to bear on challenges and opportunities that span dimensions of national security, crime and control, emergency management, and justice studies.

The issue features six original research articles.

Garth den Heyer contributed an insightful article on the impacts that COVID-19 had on the capacity and capability of the police. The article explores the distinct impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on police forces in New Zealand and the United Kingdom, revealing that while the virus incapacitated a significant number of sworn staff in the UK, civilian staff were more affected in New Zealand, with divergent trends in reported crime between the two countries.

Ayomide Augustine Ilori and Joseph Olusola Adeleye’s article finds that despite legal measures against kidnapping in Nigeria, including Ekiti State, incidents continue. Their study employs routine activity theory to reveal the non-organized nature of kidnappers, prompting recommendations like maintaining a low profile for high-profile individuals and enhancing security infrastructure. The study advocates for measures such as Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design and the establishment of a surveillance and response unit by the Nigerian Police Force to effectively address the ongoing issue.

Chris Madsen’s provocative article examines the potential military response to a hypothetical police-led coup d'état in Canada, considering legal authorities, civilian control, and relative capabilities favouring the Canadian military. The study underscores the educational value of such contingency planning for teaching military professionals about national security challenges in domestic operations.

Next Amber McKinley, Nikki Dohnt, and Michelle Lark examine how, for over two decades, Australian publications have neglected to address unreported homicides, referred to as the dark figure of homicide, which are cases not officially documented and thus hidden from investigators. This qualitative research argues that Australia's annual homicide numbers might be underestimated, revealing potential hidden victims within specific crime typologies, and introducing new categories for future research in contemporary Australia.

Next, Lorei Clemens and Kristina Balaneskovic explore de-escalation in the realm of daily police operations, and how encountering conflicts necessitates the prioritization of de-escalation through communication, with force being a last resort. The article underscores the scarcity of empirical data on de-escalation options and training, emphasizing the importance of factors beyond awareness in ensuring effective de-escalation in police encounters.

The final research article by Oludayo Tade and Oluwatosin Adeniyi examines the prevalence of fraud in Nigeria's cashless financial ecosystem, exploring its impact on financial inclusion and the mediating role of risk governance mechanisms. Through qualitative methods in southwestern Nigeria, the study reveals how fear of fraud, indirect experiences, and fraud governance influence adoption and behaviour within the Nigerian banking system.

In addition to original research articles, this issue features a book review by Suz Rock. Suz reviewed Children, Care and Crime: Trauma and Transformation by Alison Gerard, Andrew McGrath, Emma Colvin, and Annette Gainsford. Her thought-provoking review offers reflections on the current state of the field and outlines promising avenues for future exploration.

Whether exploring the frontiers of policing, grappling with issues in crime reporting and data, pushing the boundaries of military response, or delving into complex financial crime, the articles contained in this issue represent a collective effort to advance our understanding of the world.

We extend our deepest gratitude to the authors who have contributed their time, expertise, and passion to make this issue possible. Their dedication to advancing knowledge is commendable, and we are honoured to showcase their work within Salus Journal.

We also express our sincere appreciation to the fabulous peer reviewers who generously contributed their time, expertise, and diligence, upholding the highest standards of academic rigour and impartiality to enhance the quality of the journal.

Last but not least, we thank our production editor Mark Filmer for making this issue of Salus Journal happen.

We are also proud to announce that Salus Journal is now publishing all articles on an ongoing/early access basis. This means they will be available immediately upon acceptance (following copyediting and typesetting).

In conclusion, the collaborative efforts embodied in this issue serve to advance the boundaries of knowledge, influence practice, and ultimately challenge and shape how we think about the world. Salus Journal is proud to foster a dynamic academic community committed to excellence. Thank you for reading and we look forward to the next issue in 2024.

Joint Editors-in-Chief,

Dr Jamie Ferrill & Dr Kristy Campion