This research investigates how police organizations might transcend traditional enforcement roles to become active policy constructors within contemporary governance networks. Using Australia's most progressive drug decriminalization reform as a revelatory case study, the project examines how ACT Policing positioned itself strategically, deployed various forms of capital, and actively shaped policy meaning through translation practices.

Drawing on an integrated theoretical framework combining nodal governance theory, Bourdieusian analysis, and policy mobility frameworks, this proposed insider multi-method case study is posited to reveal the mechanisms through which police move beyond passive implementation, challenging conventional assumptions about institutional roles in networked governance.

This seminar is Emma's Confirmation of Candidature milestone presentation. As such, the presentation is a closed event for RegNet staff, visitors and students only.

NOTE: This seminar presentation was originally scheduled for 12.30-1.30pm in the RegNet L2 Teaching Room; due to unexpected circumstances, it is now scheduled for 11.30am-12.30pm (same day) in the RegNet L3 Meeting Room. As the Meeting Room has a smaller capacity, please register to attend by Zoom just in case you cannot be accommodated in the room.

About the speaker

Emma Mills is a PhD candidate at ANU's School of Regulation and Global Governance, seconded from the Australian Federal Police. Her research investigates police behaviour in policymaking processes, using the ACT's 2023 drug decriminalization legislation as a framework. With over 17 years in law enforcement across operational and strategic roles, Emma's career evolved to include policy development and external partner negotiations. Her research examines how police navigate governance networks and regulatory paradigm tensions. She holds a Master's in Criminal Justice and Criminology from Monash University, uniquely positioning her to investigate the complex interplay between policing, policy development, and regulatory governance.

COVID protocols

The ANU strongly encourages you to keep a mask with you at all times (for use when COVID-19 safe behaviours are not practicable) and to be respectful of colleagues, students and visitors who may wish to continue to wear one. Please continue to practice good hygiene. If you are unwell, please stay home. The ACT government’s COVID Smart behaviours can be accessed here.

This seminar presentation is a dual-delivery event. Registration is not required for in-person attendance as neither the ANU nor ACT Health conduct contact tracing.

If you require accessibility accommodations or a visitor Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan please email regnet.communications@anu.edu.au.

Image credit: Image of ACT Policing van on the Federal Highway, ACT, by South East Australian Responses, from Wikimedia Commons, used under CC-BY-SA-4.0 licence.