PolicingExplained publishes three types of content: Blotter entries, reference articles, and long form research articles. Each format serves a different purpose and carries different expectations.
Blotter Contributions
The Blotter offers short form commentary on current issues in policing, criminal justice, and public safety. These pieces respond to timely events, viral incidents, new policies, or questions that arise in public debate. Blotter entries should be grounded in real experience, direct in tone, and focused on clear explanation.
We prefer that blotter submissions be between 500 to 1,000 words, though longer or shorter articles may be accepted on a case-by-case basis. These pieces are not compensated and are intended for fast, accurate insight rather than extended analysis.
Reference Articles
PolicingExplained also publishes reference style pieces that function as clear, reliable explanations of law enforcement concepts, techniques, procedures, equipment, and terminology. These articles are meant to serve as educational resources that instructors, students, and the public can consult for straightforward definitions and explanations without commentary or opinion. Examples include explanations of probable cause, traffic stop procedure, the structure of a search warrant, field interview techniques, radio procedure, and equipment breakdowns.
Reference articles should be 1,000 to 2,000 words. They must be factual, organized, and written with the same accuracy expected of an encyclopedia entry while remaining accessible to general readers. These articles undergo editorial review for clarity, precision, and correctness. Contributors may list accepted pieces as editor reviewed reference publications, which can be cited or used in instructional settings. Authors are compensated between 25 and 50 dollars per accepted reference, depending on length and editorial demands.
Prior to submitting reference articles, please email us to see what topics are currently needed.
Long Form Articles
The Research Articles section is reserved for deeper, more developed writing. Long form articles examine broader themes, policy implications, investigative insight, historical context, or more complex questions that cannot be handled in short commentary. Because these pieces provide lasting educational value, they undergo a more stringent editorial review for accuracy, clarity, and structure.
Long form submissions should be 1,500 to 5,000 words. Longer or shorter submissions may be accepted on a case-by-case basis. Authors are compensated between 25 and 50 dollars per accepted article, depending on length and editorial demands.
These pieces may be listed on your resume as professional publications, since they involve structured argument, source supported analysis when appropriate, and substantive editorial review.
Who May Contribute
Submissions from active or former law enforcement officers are preferred, but we welcome authors from across the criminal justice system. Dispatchers, corrections staff, EMS, prosecutors, defense attorneys, investigators, co-responders, and others with direct experience are encouraged to contribute.
What We Look For
We prioritize informed, experience based writing that clarifies how police work actually functions. We do not publish partisan arguments, ideological rhetoric, or content designed to provoke outrage. All submissions must be original and should not have been published elsewhere prior to submitting to PolicingExplained.
By submitting work to PolicingExplained, you grant us the right to publish, edit, and archive your submission on our platform. We retain these rights so the piece can remain part of the site’s permanent educational record. Authors keep full rights to their own work and are free to self archive, republish, share, or distribute their submission elsewhere at any time. We simply ask that any redistributed version note its original appearance on PolicingExplained.org.
Before You Submit
Writers may submit a completed draft or a short pitch outlining the idea. All accepted work will be edited for clarity, accuracy, structure, and style.
If you have real experience, informed insight, and something meaningful to contribute to the public understanding of policing, we invite your submission.
Please send submissions to the editor at [email protected].
