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DISCUSSION ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS
The student will complete 8 Discussions in this course.
The student will post one thread of at least 250 words by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on Thursday
of the assigned Module: Week. For each thread, students must support their assertions
with at least 2 scholarly citations in APA format.
The student must then post 2 replies of at least 150 words by 11:59 p.m. (ET)
on Sunday of the assigned Module: Week. Each reply must incorporate at least
1 scholarly citation in APA format.
Any sources cited must have been published within the last five years. Acceptable
sources include the textbook, the Bible, and scholarly peer-reviewed research articles..
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Read Chapter 2 of the$Bachman$textbook, Chapter 2 of the$Mosher$textbook, and the article
"Evidence-Based Policing" before discussing the following prompts:
Describe the major elements of evidence-based policing.
How do the$elements$relate to research in criminal justice?
In what areas is evidence-based policing already being used?
What steps would you take to convince a department not using evidence-based policing to
use it?
Cordner, G. (2020). Evidence-based policing in 45 small bytes. National Institute of
Justice. https://www.ojp.gov/pdffiles1/nij/254326.pdf
Sherman, L. (1998). Evidence-based policing. Police Foundation.
https://www.policefoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Sherman-1998-
Evidence-BasedPolicing.pdf
English Standard Version Bible. (2001). ESV Online. https://www.bible.com/bible/59/
The first and most important element of evidence-based policing (EBP) is understanding
that the name refers to scientific evidence and studies; it does not reference evidence
from the scope of any legal investigations, criminal or otherwise (Cordner, 2020).
Evidence-based policing is a contemporary approach to law enforcement that relies on
the best available research [in other words, scientific evidence] to monitor guidelines
and evaluate agencies, units, and officers, eventually aiming to enhance the efficacy
and productivity of policing efforts. The primary elements of evidence-based policing
involve two distinct forms of research: basic research and ongoing outcomes. Basic
research involves analyzing the most successful courses of action under controlled
conditions, while research involving ongoing outcomes evaluates the consequent
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results of either a successful application or a failure of the preceding primary research.
These hypotheses and resulting outcomes create a feedback loop emphasizing
significant findings and conclusions pertinent to policing (Sherman, 1998).
These elements of EBP are closely related to the overall research in criminal justice,
mainly the necessity of evidence-based tendencies. Basic research in EDP involves
collecting data that can be analyzed and applied, serving as the foundation for research
on the outcome. Similar to other scientific research methods, because the outcome is
based on a specific data set, the research can be re-tested or compared to other data
sets, allowing the research to be more reliable. This process is crucial for the viability of
evidence-based policing, as agencies use such research to shape their performance
and enhance the impact they may have on their communities. Evidence-based policing
is already being utilized in various areas, such as hot spot policing, community policing,
and crime mapping (CompStat). A prime example of EBP is using real-time crime (or
intelligence) centers. These approaches allow more informed decision-making and
focused responses to specific crimes, criminals, and locations. The use and staffing of
real-time centers also allow agencies to have better response times and impacts on
criminal activity by being proactive at times rather than reactive.
To convince a department not using evidence-based policing to adopt this approach,
there are a few steps I would take. First, I would emphasize the successes of
departments implementing evidence-based strategies and give real examples that
showcase concrete results. Additionally, I would seek to incorporate awareness of
evidence-based policing into training programs and seminars and consider the steps it
would take to advocate for EBP inclusion in department policies through legislation. By
highlighting the positive outcomes and the potential for enhancing policing practices, the
intention is to encourage a broader adoption of evidence-based policing within agencies
and departments across the United States.
From a Christian worldview, the pursuit of truth and justice aligns with the scriptural
emphasis on seeking wisdom and understanding. Proverbs 2:6 states, "For the Lord
gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding" (ESV, 2001). In this
context, evidence-based policing reflects a commitment to seeking knowledge through
scientific methods to inform and improve law enforcement practices. The elements of
EBP surrounding basic research and ongoing outcomes mirror the Christian virtue of
stewardship. Agencies engaging in basic research exhibit responsible stewardship by
carefully analyzing the most successful courses of action (Sherman, 1998). Evidence-
based policing, when viewed through a Christian worldview, echoes biblical principles of
seeking wisdom, responsible stewardship, vigilance, and transformation. By
incorporating these values, law enforcement agencies can align their practices with
scientific rigor and ethical foundations, nurturing a more fair and functional approach to
policing.
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Review the information below and provide a first-person-styled discussion board
post reply of at least 150 words. Each reply must incorporate at least 1 scholarly
citation. Ensure to address issues, questions, or statements from a Christian
worldview. Ensure not to write in a manner that will detect plagiarism or the use
of AI.
RESPONSE TO:
As you mentioned in your discussion, evidence-based policing is crucial in enhancing
law enforcement strategies. This is accomplished by incorporating scientific methods
into law enforcement officers' everyday efforts and work.
I am a massive fan of how Sherman discusses the approach in which many law
enforcement practitioners can skew or be misguided when seeking to further the
acceptance of evidence-based policing. Sherman states, “The basic premise of
evidence-based practice is that we are all entitled to our own opinions, but not to our
own facts. Yet left alone to practice individually, practitioners do come up with their own
“facts,” which often turn out to be wrong” (1998). It is essential to acknowledge that
even with Evidence-Based Policing, while much of that evidence is replicable, it is
acceptable to question the evidence if the practice cannot be confirmed or verified by
other law enforcement efforts. Therefore, as you mentioned and as highlighted in the
article from Ratcliffe (2023), integrating reliable and practical research findings is crucial
to equip officers and leadership with a profound understanding of legal requirements
and best practices.
From a Christian worldview, the parallel between evidence-based policing and faith is
noteworthy. Consider Hebrews 11:1: "Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is
the evidence of things we cannot see” (NLT, 2015). Faith itself is based on evidence
without physical proof, akin to the reliance on research findings in policing. Evidence-
based Policing utilizes research, but at times, that evidence is not always readily
tangible, or it becomes challenging to persuade others to adopt evidence-based
approaches if they have not witnessed the evidence first-hand.
Just as individuals may struggle to grasp the evidence of God's work in their lives,
convincing a department to embrace scientific methods requires a patient and kind
approach. Combining statistical analysis, research, and a gentle approach to
persuasion can bridge the gap between evidence-based practices and the Christian
worldview, fostering understanding and cooperation within law enforcement
communities.
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References:
English Standard Version Bible. (2015). NLT Online.
https://www.bible.com/bible/116/
Ratcliffe, J. (2023). Evidence-Based Policing: The Basics (1st Ed.). Routledge.
Sherman, L. (1998). Evidence-Based Policing. Police Foundation.
https://www.policefoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Sherman-1998-
Evidence-BasedPolicing.pdf
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Lum, C, Telep C. W., Koper, C. S., & Grieco, J. .Receptivity to Research in Policing.
Justice Research and Policy. 2010, 14(1), 61-95
Moscher, C. J., Miethe, T. D., & Hart, T.C. (2011)..The Mismeasure of crime (2nd
ed.)..Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications
Potts J. The benefits, challenges, and lessons of evidence-based policing. The Journal
of California Law Enforcement. 2017, 51, 2:4
Sherman, L. (1998). Evidence-Based policing. Retrieved January 25, 2024,
from.https://www.policefoundation.org/publication/evidence-based-policing/ Links to an
external site..
RESPONSE TO:
I found your discussion on evidence-based policing intriguing, especially considering its
potential impact on shaping law enforcement practices. Sherman (2016) fittingly notes
that evidence-based policing involves using the best available research to guide and
evaluate police work, emphasizing the role of crime analysis in day-to-day operations. I
appreciate the significance of incorporating research-backed strategies into criminal
justice procedures, whether they are methods receiving updated measures or new
policies and procedures coming to fruition.
When it comes to the concerns related to research in criminal justice, it is crucial to
highlight the evolution of data-gathering methods, from early census-based approaches
to more contemporary face-to-face interviews and sophisticated techniques like lie
detectors. This historical context underscores the importance of refining methodologies
and embracing evidence-based practices to enhance the credibility of law enforcement
agencies.
When new guidelines or policies are being adopted or implemented, it is essential to
remember that this actually benefits and protects the integrity of the office. Engaging
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police officers in the research process, ensuring their empowerment, and providing
clear explanations of measurements can bridge the gap between researchers and
practitioners (Lum et al., 2012). By emphasizing that evidence-based policing enhances
operations through research, departments may become more open to adopting these
procedures, ultimately contributing to more effective and informed law enforcement
practices.
Lum, C., Telep, C. W., Koper, C. S., & Grieco, J. (2012). Receptivity to Research in
Policing. Justice Research and Policy, 14(1), 61–95.
https://doi.org/10.3818/jrp.14.1.2012.61
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