Evidence Based Policing

Question 1

Define Evidence Based Policing.

Answer 1

In the evidence based approach, police officers and staff create, review and use the best available evidence to inform policing policies, practices and decisions.

Question 2

Why does EBP matter..?

Answer 2

• Police need to know what interventions are effective.
• Basically what works, what is proven to have been successful previously.
• We can contribute to the future of policing by sharing our best evidence.
• This approach should minimise wasted time, money and resources.

Question 3

How does ATLAS fit in to EBP..?

Answer 3

A : Ask : “the start of the problem solving cycling, ask questions to understand the issue and develop a new theory/alternative approach.

T : Test : “this will help us ascertain if our new theory is effective eg. Reduction of ASB in an area”

L : Learn : “the measure stage. Measure the various outcomes. Timescale can vary depending on the issue.

A : Adapt : having ‘learned’ we can adapt our theory to reflect the findings.
If it works, we could try it elsewhere.

S : Share : Sharing throughout the process is key. Questions, Plans, Intentions, Findings, Lessons

Question 4

EBP “is an on______ p_____
Aiming to i______ our u_______
By building a _____ of ________ for the profession.

Answer 4

EBP is an ONGOING PROCESS
Aiming to INCREASE our UNDERSTANDING
By building a BODY of EVIDENCE for the profession.

Question 5

Give an example of EBP

Answer 5

“Scared Straight”

• Originally USA, rolled out internationally including UK.
• Juvenile delinquents or those at risk of becoming so, taken to visit prison.
• Meet with an inmate that talks about life choices that resulted in his imprisonment - and life in prison.
• The aim was to correct their behaviour.

• This was found not to work, but it wasn’t established “why not?”
Actually suggested that it may be harmful to the youngsters.

Question 6

Briefly explain the “nudge concept”

Answer 6

In basic terms the ‘nudge concept’ centres around “incentivising”.

Grounded in both behavioural science and both economic and political theory.

‘Nudge Concept’ states positive reinforcement and indirect suggestion can influence peoples decisions and actions.

(A treat for a child,
Council provide large recycling bins, small waste bins).

Question 7

In Evidence Based Policing we rely on “BEST AVAILABLE EVIDENCE” - what does this mean..?

Answer 7

“Evidence based on research which is carefully conducted,
peer reviewed,
relevant & appropriate
and transparent about its conclusions & limitations.”

(Consider…
Were the aims and objectives clear?
What was the sample?
How was the data collected & analysed?)

Question 8

There are 8 “STAGES OF EBP”

List them….

Answer 8

Identify the problem
Define the problem
Understand the problem
Develop Ideas
Identify opportunities 
Plan
Implement 
Evaluate

Question 9

List the 4 “Functions of Evidence Based Policing”

Answer 9

1️⃣ Research is used to target the places police are needed most.

2️⃣ Evidence Tested when making decisions.

3️⃣ Recognition that ‘policing’ is not simply ‘crime fighting’.

4️⃣ To improve the safety & wellbeing of the people, by promoting measures to prevent crime, harm & disorder.