Implementing Evidence-Based Research: A How-to Guide for Police Organizations

The size of an organization does not determine its ability to adopt evidence-based approaches, as leading police and sociology experts demonstrate in this practical guide. By leveraging strengths and limitations, police forces of all sizes can successfully embed evidence-based methods, with new strategies and approaches proposed for success. Essential reading for practitioners, aspiring leaders, students, and policy-makers.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 232 pages
Publication date: 31 March 2021
Publisher: Bristol University Press

Evidence-based approaches to policing have gained significant attention in recent years, with many organizations seeking to implement these methods to improve their effectiveness and efficiency. However, the size of an organization can be a significant factor in determining the success of evidence-based practices. While larger organizations may have more resources and funding to invest in evidence-based programs, they may also face challenges such as bureaucracy, resistance to change, and a lack of buy-in from staff. On the other hand, smaller organizations may have more flexibility and agility, allowing them to be more responsive to changing circumstances and to implement evidence-based practices more quickly.

One of the key challenges facing evidence-based practices in policing is the need to change the culture of the organization. This can be a difficult and time-consuming process, as it requires staff to be willing to embrace new ideas and to work together in new ways. However, there are several strategies that can be used to help change the culture of an organization, including leadership development, training, and communication.

Leadership development is essential for evidence-based practices in policing. Leaders need to be able to communicate their vision and values to staff, and to provide them with the resources and support they need to succeed. Training can help staff develop the skills and knowledge they need to implement evidence-based practices, and to be able to evaluate the effectiveness of these practices. Communication is also essential for evidence-based practices in policing. Staff need to be able to communicate with each other, with the public, and with other organizations. This can be done through a variety of means, including email, social media, and face-to-face meetings.

Another challenge facing evidence-based practices in policing is the need to address the root causes of crime. This can be a complex and challenging process, as it requires a deep understanding of the social and economic factors that contribute to crime. However, there are several strategies that can be used to address the root causes of crime, including community policing, crime prevention, and social justice.

Community policing is a strategy that involves police officers working closely with the community to address crime and to build relationships with residents. This can be done through a variety of means, including patrols, community meetings, and youth programs. Crime prevention is a strategy that involves taking steps to prevent crime from occurring in the first place. This can be done through a variety of means, including crime prevention programs, such as neighborhood watch, and by working with other organizations, such as schools and businesses. Social justice is a strategy that involves addressing the social and economic inequalities that contribute to crime. This can be done through a variety of means, including social welfare programs, such as food banks and homeless shelters, and by working with other organizations, such as community organizations and advocacy groups.

Despite these challenges, evidence-based practices in policing have been shown to be effective in reducing crime and improving public safety. For example, community policing has been shown to reduce crime by up to 20%, and crime prevention programs have been shown to reduce crime by up to 30%. Social justice has been shown to improve public safety by reducing the number of people who are incarcerated and by improving the quality of life for those who are incarcerated.

However, it is important to note that evidence-based practices in policing are not a one-size-fits-all solution. Different organizations may have different needs and challenges, and it is important to tailor evidence-based practices to meet these needs. This can be done through a variety of means, including collaboration with other organizations, such as universities and research institutions, and by using data and evidence to drive decision-making.

In conclusion, the size of an organization can be a significant factor in determining the success of evidence-based practices in policing. While larger organizations may have more resources and funding to invest in evidence-based programs, they may also face challenges such as bureaucracy, resistance to change, and a lack of buy-in from staff. Smaller organizations may have more flexibility and agility, allowing them to be more responsive to changing circumstances and to implement evidence-based practices more quickly. By using leadership development, training, and communication, and by addressing the root causes of crime, evidence-based practices in policing can be effective in reducing crime and improving public safety. However, it is important to tailor evidence-based practices to meet the needs of different organizations, and to use data and evidence to drive decision-making.

Weight: 290g
Dimension: 213 x 257 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781447353591