Evidence_Based_Policing

Evidenced Based Policing It is the relatively new concept of ‘evidenced based medicine’ that has pushed the agenda towards concepts of evidenced based policing. The approach to evidenced based policing is that of a strategy which translates criminal knowledge into streamlined cost-effective policing methods. The word ‘evidence’ in this context relates to that of statistics, costs, risks and benefits. The approach will be similar to that of evidenced based medicine where they use clinical trials. In the police concept it relates to field experiments with real crimes, criminal and victims. These are all utilized in the determination of more cost-effective policing practices. The concept was advanced in July 2008 at the University of Cambridge when they introduced a number of major initiatives with Chief Constables from the UK and four other countries. (University of Cambridge / NPIA, 2008). Advantages: One of the key advantages of evidenced-based policing is that it is a structured approach towards crime resolution. As such it facilitates the law enforcement officers into adopting a more organized and structured way of thinking. Further, both theory and practice can be integrated and as such this will develop more customized as opposed to off the shelf solutions. It becomes more of a practical tool “not requiring an academic rigorous approach” (Jennett, November 2005) and as such is more flexible adapting to changing circumstances as a consequence of intervention. Evidence-based policing provides systematic feedback that will facilitate continuous quality improvement in the attainment of police objectives and goals. This new approach may also serve as a lens to focus on identification of limited resources and the associated risks, thereby providing a knowledge base of what works best under what circumstances. This will encourage Police departments to become more cost conscious. (David Weisburd, 2006). DISADVANTAGES: It is considered that the factual research evidence approach may lead towards the elimination of opinion. Although factual evidence is paramount the concept of opinion as input to criminal investigations is still deemed to be of importance. There are still insufficient guidelines in place that describe how the police should approach evidence-based policing. This leads it open to interpretation as opposed to the provision of a more rigorous set of standards to be adopted. In addition it may not be based upon the scientific principles of sound research. EXAMPLE 1: Chief Dan Flynn – “One of the earliest examples of evidence-based policing is in the area of domestic violence. Until the early 1990s, the traditional police method of handling domestic disputes was to calm everyone down, separate the involved parties and take little or no enforcement action since the victims were unlikely to prosecute.” (Centre for Evidence based crime policy, 2010) The use of evidence based research resulted in pointing out how domestic homicide dropped “That dismal situation changed when research revealed that in domestic violence cases where the police arrested the aggressor, despite low prosecution rates, the rate of subsequent domestic homicide showed a sharp decline”. EXAMPLE 2 : “Another early positive example of police successfully using evidence-based policing is in the area of street-level narcotics enforcement” (Centre for Evidence based crime policy, 2010). The old method was to address the problem by means of such tactics as stake-outs, decoys and saturation programmes. The Evidence based research illustrated that a high percentage of felony crime was attributed directly to narcotics activity. From this police jurisdictions created a more targeted response on street level narcotic enforcement programs. References Centre for Evidence based crime policy. (2010). Dan Flynn. Retrieved, 2011, from Evidence based policing hall of fame: http://gunston.gmu.edu/cebcp/HallofFame/Flynn.html David Weisburd, A. A. (2006). Police innovation: contrasting perspectives . In A. A. David Weisburd, Police innovation: contrasting perspectives (p. 318). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Jennett, C. L. (November 2005). PARTNERSHIPS IN POLICING AND EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE IN CRIME PREVENTION ARE THEY INCOMPATIBLE' Sydney: Charles Sturt University. University of Cambridge / NPIA. (2008). Evidence-Based Policing:. University of Cambridge / NPIA (pp. 1-8). Cambridge: University of Cambridge.