CJUS 601 Discussion thread Evidence-based Policing
Evidence-Based Policing (EBP) represents a paradigm shift in regulation
enforcement strategies, mirroring comparable modifications in fields like
medicine (Lum et al., 2017). Its core objective is to inform policing strategies
and practices with the best available empirical evidence, pushing for a
proactive, research-oriented approach to crime prevention. This approach's
significant elements include the following:
First, use of the best available research; EBP emphasizes using the most
rigorous, current research in shaping policing strategies. This helps to ensure
that practices are not merely traditional or customary but, instead, are based
on demonstrated effectiveness, and second, constant evaluation and
adjustment; EBP encourages ongoing analysis of police practices in light of
both published research and in-house studies (Lum et al., 2017). This
approach allows for the identification of successful practices and timely
adjustments as needed; third, implementation of guidelines; Like in
evidence-based medicine, adopting EBP involves creating and applying
guidelines derived from research findings. These guidelines help standardize
best practices across different units and agencies, and lastly, transparency
and accountability; EBP fosters a culture of accountability, often using
feedback models like NYPD's Compstat for management responsibility and
continuous quality improvement (Lum et al., 2017). It also promotes
transparency by publishing agency rankings based on crime prevention
effectiveness.
EBP's core elements directly correlate with the broader field of criminal
justice research. The practice of EBP necessitates robust research to
generate the empirical evidence on which its methods are based.
Furthermore, it fosters an environment conducive to ongoing
research, emphasizing continual assessment and improvement of practices.
Research in criminal justice provides the necessary data for evidence-based
guidelines and allows for a nuanced understanding of crime trends, informing
appropriate policy responses (Buchman et al., 2021). Moreover, EBP
promotes research literacy among practitioners, strengthening the
connection between criminal justice's academic and practical realms.
EBP is being applied in several areas of policing. For example, it is used in
domestic violence cases, where research has led to formulation of evidence-
based guidelines to reduce violence against victims (Mosher et al., 2011). It's
also utilized in problem-oriented policing, where research informs
interventions tailored to specific crime problems. Moreover, EBP underpins
hot spots policing, a strategy that uses data analysis to identify and target
areas of high crime activity.
Promoting EBP in a department not currently using it would require a
multifaceted approach: First, educate; start by educating the department
about the benefits of EBP, emphasizing its effectiveness in reducing crime
and increasing efficiency; second, present evidence; show examples of
departments that have successfully implemented EBP and the positive
outcomes they've experienced (Lum et al., 2017). Use these cases to debunk
any misconceptions about EBP; third, involving all levels of personnel in
training and implementation of EBP can help ensure buy-in and successful
adoption; fourth, pilot program; implement a pilot program to demonstrate
the benefits of EBP firsthand (Lum et al., 2017). This program can provide a
tangible demonstration of EBP's benefits and serve as a learning experience
for refining its more comprehensive application; fourth, support from
leadership; strong backing from department leadership can
significantly influence the adoption of EBP. Leadership can set the tone for
change, signaling the importance of this transition; fifth, provide necessary
resources; this includes physical resources like data analysis technology and
training for officers in understanding and applying research findings.
References
Bachman, R., & Schutt, R. K. (2021). Fundamentals of research in criminology
and criminal justice (5th ed.). Los Angeles, CA: Sage Publications, Inc. ISBN:
9781544374055.
Lum, C. M., & Koper, C. S. (2017). Evidence-based policing: Translating
research into practice. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Mosher, C. J., Miethe, T. D., & Hart, T. C. (2011). The mismeasure of crime
(2nd ed.). Los Angeles, CA: Sage Publications, Inc. ISBN: 9781412981811.
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