NCJ Number
228282
Journal
Ideas in American Policing Issue: 11 Dated: August 2009 Pages: 1-16
Date Published
August 2009
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This paper looks at how evidence-based policing, police practices based on scientific research, has shown promise in both intuitive appeal and scientific credibility.
Abstract
The idea of making greater use of evidence, information, and science in policing presents a significant challenge. Over a decade ago, evidence-based policing (police practices based on scientific evidence) was advocated. It was believed that information generated from systematic or scientific research should be regularly used by the police to make both strategic and tactical decisions. Positive implications for the use of evidence-based policing are noted: (1) the advancement of police information and management systems that improve efficiency and (2) transforming cultural forces to strongly influence a reactive approach to police operations. Evidence-based approaches are seen as more logical and effective, and strategies and tactics that are generated from information and based in scientific knowledge about effectiveness are more likely to reduce crime when employed. This paper discusses the benefits that could be reaped from an evidence-based approach in policing, as well as the skepticism and pessimism associated with evidence-based policing. Figures and references