How do Structural, Cultural, and Trust-Related Factors Influence the Effectiveness of Police Liaison Officer Systems and Information-Sharing Practices in Europe, and What Lessons Can Be Drawn from Regional and Institutional Models for Future EU Wide Cooperation?

Neumueller, A (2026) How do Structural, Cultural, and Trust-Related Factors Influence the Effectiveness of Police Liaison Officer Systems and Information-Sharing Practices in Europe, and What Lessons Can Be Drawn from Regional and Institutional Models for Future EU Wide Cooperation? Doctoral thesis, Liverpool John Moores University.

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Abstract

This PhD thesis investigates, via an in-depth comparative analysis, two regional European Union (EU) Police Liaison Officer (PLO) systems, focusing on their organisational and operational structures and information management. It critically examines differences in implemented structures and practices, as well as the relational dynamics underpinning cross-border police cooperation within the context of transnational crime, for potential applicability to a future EU-wide LO system. This thesis contributes to the growing body of knowledge on EU regional Police Liaison Officer systems and highlights the importance of various factors responsible for efficient and successful crossborder information exchange.

The thesis addresses the research question: ‘How do structural, cultural, and trust related factors influence the effectiveness of Police Liaison Officer systems and information-sharing practices in Europe, and what lessons can be drawn from regional and institutional models for future EU-wide cooperation?’ Data collection for this research involved conducting interviews with practitioners from both regional PLO systems, including support office employees and PLOs operating in the field.

The researcher conducted an in-depth literature review covering bureaucratic aspects, transnational information sharing, European police structures, cultural dimensions, the role of trust in information-sharing processes, and institutionalised mechanisms. Data collected from interviews within both systems were analysed, and the two regional systems were subsequently compared.
Key findings from the comparison between the Benelux and Nordic systems reveal several critical insights for the broader field of transnational policing. Other findings of the study indicate pragmatic pathways for progress towards achieving an EU-wide PLO system.

The study contributes to understanding the complex challenges of transnational policing cooperation and reveals that institutional frameworks and legal agreements form the necessary foundation for such collaboration. However, for an effective cross-border policing model, human factors such as trust, cultural understanding, operational flexibility, and professional adaptability are indispensable.

This research provides insights for policymakers and practitioners in the form of a roadmap to strengthen transnational policing cooperation through the everyday practices of trust, adaptability, and relational work. It further argues that the future of cross-border Page 5 of 216 police cooperation in Europe does not solely rely on technocratic solutions or legalistic harmonisation.

The thesis advocates for incorporating dynamic, relational, and negotiated practices in international policing strategies, with an acknowledgment of the centrality of human agency, professional judgement, and adaptive governance to address the complex challenges of transnational crime and security.

Item Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Police Liaison Officers; Transnational policing; Cross-border police cooperation; Information sharing; European Union policing; Regional police cooperation; Benelux Police Liaison Officers; Nordic Police and Customs Cooperation; Organisational structures; Institutional trust; Police culture; Organisational culture; Bureaucracy; Bureaucratic efficiency; Law enforcement networks; EUROPOL; INTERPOL; Schengen Information System; Security governance; Transnational crime; Human factors in policing; Information exchange models; Comparative case study; Qualitative research; European integration; Institutionalised cooperation; Social exchange theory; Trust-building mechanisms; EU-wide policing model
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HV Social pathology. Social and public welfare. Criminology > HV7231 Criminal Justice Administrations H Social Sciences > HV Social pathology. Social and public welfare. Criminology > HV7231 Criminal Justice Administrations > HV7551 Police. Detectives. Constabulary
Divisions:	Law and Justice Studies
Date of acceptance:	22 January 2026
Date of first compliant Open Access:	19 February 2026
Date Deposited:	19 Feb 2026 14:03
Last Modified:	19 Feb 2026 14:04
DOI or ID number:	10.24377/LJMU.t.00027971
Supervisors:	Cox, C and James, A
URI:	https://researchonline.ljmu.ac.uk/id/eprint/27971

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