Evidence-based Practice in Policing: Why the Potent ial for Improvement is Often Unrealized (original) (raw)

The Necessity of Evidence-Based Policing: Promotion, Difficulties and Barriers to Implementation

2014

This dissertation is an examination of the literature surrounding the concept of Evidence-Based Policing. Evidence-Based Policing is the application of the best available research as to ‘what works’ in policing. It is a necessary development in the drive to turn policing into a profession. This has been learned from the experiences of other, older and well established professions. It is also necessary in the current financial and political environment as it represents the most likely method of generating efficiency, economy and effectiveness in an era of budget cuts but increased accountability. However, obtaining knowledge is difficult. We must ensure that we use the appropriate scientific testing methods to gain the best possible evidence because different hypotheses to be tested do not always lend themselves well to certain types of trial. Moreover we must also repeat and replicate studies as often as possible to utilise the self-correcting mechanisms of science. Another difficulty is that, paradoxically, from the point of view of policing as a craft, evidence and research may rob officers of their professional judgement, as a more rigid scientific approach may clash with officers’ experiences. There are barriers to its implementation that are thrown up by the clash of practical and operational norms within the police service and academia; there are also barriers thrown up by politicians with their personal biases and ideologies which lead to the abuse of evidence. These difficulties and barriers are breaking down and being overcome through exposure to evidence-based practices. The development of bodies such as the College of Policing and Society for Evidence-Based Policing will move the Evidence-Based Policing agenda forward to a place where it will be the norm for the police to implement.

Evidence-Based Policing: Using evidence and research to improve policing practice

Ethical Record (123 (2). pp. 20-22.), 2018

This article appeared in the "Ethical Record" the journal of the Conway Hall Ethical Society following a talk on the subject which took place at their Thinking On Sunday series of Events on 14th January 2016. It outlines the concept of Evidence-Based Policing to a non-specialist audience. It defines the concept and outlines why it is required within contemporary policing as a facet of police professionalism.

Evidence based policing: a view on its development within the police service

Journal of Work-Applied Management

PurposeAs the education of new police constables moves to degree level, this paper explores the introduction of Evidence-Based Policing (EBP) as a pillar of the evolution of the police service as a profession.Design/methodology/approachCombining a review of key literature and explorations of practice, the current situation, challenges, and benefits of the adoption of EBP as philosophy are explored.FindingsThe benefits to the police service and individuals of wholeheartedly adopting EBP are huge; however, such adoption does not come without challenges.Originality/valueThis paper provides a contemporary snapshot in relation to the process of embedding EBP across the new educational routes to joining the police service. The opportunities provided by adopting EBP as philosophy across the service will assist in supporting and strengthening the sustainability of policing locally, nationally, and internationally.

Evidence-Based Policing and Crime Reduction

Policing, 2009

There have been calls for research evidence to be drawn into police practice. We examine evidence-based practice in the policing and crime reduction agenda, drawing on the experience of implementing problem-oriented policing in the UK and beyond. We suggest that that the development of such an agenda has been hampered by certain factors. Evidence is not routinely used by police officers (or partnerships) developing strategies to deal with crime problems who prefer to deliver traditional (law enforcement) responses. There is a limited knowledge base on which practitioners can draw in developing responses to crime problems, and the nature of evidence about what is effective is contested amongst academics. Whilst welcoming the moves to incorporate evidence in policing, we caution against excessive optimism about what can be achieved and make some recommendations for those engaged in developing evidence-based practice.