Evidence-Based Policing: Uses, Benefits and Limitations

ISBN-13: 9783031171000 / Angielski / Twarda / 2022 / 249 str.

Garth den Heyer

Opis

The volume aims to increase knowledge and understanding of how evidence-based policing is being adopted and implemented by police agencies in the United States and whether it is affecting the agencies' processes, strategies, community relationships and delivery of community-oriented policing services. This exploration is based on data drawn from the literature, interviews and extensive field research that resulted in the case studies presented and discussed in the book. The goal of this text will be to provide the reader with a thorough analysis of the concepts, arguments and challenges facing evidence-based policing. The history of evidence-based policing, how evidence-based practices are used in the health and social sectors, and in the United Kingdom will be examined. In addition, reasonable options for improving the use of evidence-based policing will be proposed. Overall, very practical policy implications will be outlined by a highly recognized professional who has considerable experience in policing and related research.

Spis treści

CHAPTER 1 - INTRODUCTION

Evidence-based Policing is one of the more modern approaches to professionalize the police. It is based similar approaches adopted in the medical, education and health sectors. It is claimed that because the approach is based on recognized research methodologies that it will provide information to improve decision-making and the effectiveness of police service delivery. However, the approach is not without limitations, and it may not be as useful as other strategic service delivery enhancing approaches. This chapter summarizes the main arguments for and against the police adopting Evidence-Based Policing and introduces the structure and topics for the remainder of the book.

CHAPTER 2: WHAT IS EVIDENCE-BASED POLICING?

This chapter explores and discusses the definition of Evidence-Based Policing and its strengths and weaknesses as a strategic method for increasing the effectiveness of policing. It was found that since the original definition of evidence-based policing has evolved to become broader and more holistic. The strategy is not only about identifying research to assist with the development of policy or decision-making but is also about identifying methods to analyse and translate research findings or evidence for the police to use. It can also improve the use of Community-Oriented and Problem-Oriented policing through the inclusion and use of scientific information and analysis. However, the strategy is not without weaknesses. The main weakness being the over-emphasis of the police emulating the health profession, which suffers from similar problems in relation to adoption and use of evidence-based practices.

CHAPTER 3 – DEVELOPMENTS IN EVIDENCE-BASED POLICING IN THE UNITED KINGDOM 

This chapter examines the background and the current situation in relation to Evidence-Based Policing in the United Kingdom. Considering that the police have historically been defined as not accepting change, in the acceptance and adoption of Evidence-Based Policing in the United Kingdom has increased since 2000. The increase in the adoption of the strategy has been aided by the establishment of university master courses and graduate degrees in the topic. However, the police profession in the United Kingdom has taken a balanced approach to implementing Evidence-Based Policing and does not appear to focus narrowly on the use of randomized control trials as being the only acceptable method for gathering evidence.

CHAPTER 4 – EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE IN THE HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE SECTORS

This chapter examines and discusses the adoption of evidence-based practices in the health and social work sectors. It explores some of the main factors that relate to the adoption of evidence-based practice by these sectors and whether the approach is accepted as being able to increase the effectiveness of their service delivery. The outcome of this research is that the police can learn from the adoption and use of evidence-based practice in health care and social work, especially from their broader implementation frameworks and integration processes. The health and social care sectors found that in order for evidence-based practice to be accepted, a supportive atmosphere needs to be provided by the adopting organization and managers need to encourage the use of the practice.

CHAPTER 5 - THE ARGUMENTS FOR AND AGAINST ADOPTING EVIDENCE-BASED POLICING

This chapter presents and discusses a number of factors that are at the core of the arguments for and against the police adopting Evidence-Based Policing. One of the main problems in discussing the benefits or the weaknesses in adopting Evidence-Based Policing by the police is that it is seen by advocates and academics as a fait accompli and although some researchers have highlighted some of the barriers and challenges associated with its implementation, there has not been an evaluation or analysis of its effect on the structures or processes used by the police and nor has there been any questioning as to the nature and transferability of the approach to policing. Another difficulty with examining Evidence-Based Policing is the deep-set and opposing differences in views as to the value in adopting the approach.

CHAPTER 6 - AN EXAMINATION OF ALTERNATIVE METHODS FOR UNDERTAKING POLICE RESEARCH

This chapter examines and discusses alternative frameworks for undertaking police research. The models reviewed include academic collaboration, the employment of police research staff and establishing research units, pracademics and Problem-Oriented Policing. All of these frameworks provide benefits for the police when developing policy and assist with their decision-making. They also help the police understand the effects that the chosen tactics and strategies have on the occurrence of crime. Each also have operational weaknesses and there are challenges in implementing each of the frameworks discussed.

CHAPTER 7 – ASSESSING THE TRANSMISSION, TRANSLATION AND RECEPTIVITY OF EVIDENCE-BASED POLICING

This chapter examines the acceptance and adoption of Evidence-Based Policing by the police. It finds that the acceptance and adoption has not happened as it was envisaged by early advocates of the approach and as the literature reveals, a large number of police officers have either not heard of the approach or are not able to define it. The reasons for this, officers tend to see research as something for managers and that it is not useful for the operational decisions that they make, are discussed. The situation creates a paradox. While officers may be separated from scientific research, they are a natural source of information and a possible ally for the acceptance and adoption of Evidence-Based Policing as they have an intimate knowledge of policing. The other reasons as to why Evidence-Based Policing has not been adopted are also examined and analyzed. 

CHAPTER 8 – CASE STUDIES

This chapter presents and discusses the research of the field research to develop five case studies of agencies that have introduced evidence-based policing.

CHAPTER 9 - HOW CAN THE ADOPTION OF EVIDENCE-BASED POLICING BE IMPROVED?

The adoption of Evidence-Based Policing does provide a number of benefits for the police and for policing. However, its acceptance by the police has been slow for a number of reasons. Research that concentrates on the adoption of Evidence-Based Policing found that the process is more effective when it is led by senior or executive officers. This means that leadership and commitment by those in senior levels is crucial for the successful implementation of the approach across an agency and to improve the understanding of Evidence-Based Policing by all staff. This chapter examines some of these reasons for the slow acceptance of Evidence-Based Policing and discusses some of the ways that will improve the rate of adoption of Evidence-Based Policing.

CHAPTER 10 - CONCLUSION

It is timely to examine Evidence-Based Policing if it is to become an essential part of policing. Evidence-Based Policing, to date, has not been evaluated. There are also concerns as to whether it is realistic for Evidence-Based Policing to become a part of everyday policing. However, Evidence-Based Policing is here to stay in some form or other as it is needed to prepare the police for the challenges that it will face in the future. This chapter summarizes the discussions presented in the book and finds that if policing is to become a profession, then there is a need for it to have an evidence-base.

O autorze

Dr. Garth den Heyer is a Professor with Arizona State University and a Senior Research Fellow with the National Institute of Policing. He is also an Associate with the Scottish Institute of Policing Research. He served with the New Zealand Police for 38 years, retiring as an Inspector and the Manager: National Security. He also spent more than 20 months as a strategic advisor to the Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands. His main research interests are policing, militarization, service delivery efficacy, policy development, strategic thinking, and organizational reform.