What is evidence-based policing (EBP)? It is an approach to law enforcement that emphasizes the use of empirical research and data analysis to guide decision-making, policies and practices within police departments. It involves evaluating the effectiveness of various policing strategies, tactics and interventions through scientific methods. 

By relying on evidence from research, EBP seeks to ensure that the police adopt practices that are supported by data and not mere subjective or intuitive feelings. Yes, it is another one of those paradigm shifts the profession has been forced to make. This approach helps law enforcement to prioritize strategies that are most likely to achieve their goals and to continuously improve their effectiveness based on the latest research findings.

Fancy words, but what specific programming has EBP impacted? The practices most associated with EBP are discussed here.

1. Crime analysis programs: EBP often involves the use of crime analysis programs to collect and analyze data on crime patterns, trends and hot spots. These programs help identify areas with high levels of crime and inform the deployment of resources and interventions to address them effectively.CompStat (short for “computer statistics” or “comparative statistics”) is a data-driven management tool used by the New York City Police Department (NYPD) to track crime trends and allocate resources effectively. First introduced in the mid-1990s, CompStat saw significant expansion since 2000. The program involves regular meetings where police commanders analyze crime data, identify patterns and develop strategies to address emerging crime trends. CompStat has been credited with contributing to the dramatic reduction in crime rates in New York City since its implementation.
2. Predictive policing tools: EBP may influence the development and implementation of predictive policing tools, which use algorithms and data analysis techniques to forecast where and when crimes are likely to occur. By leveraging historical data and statistical models, these tools help police departments allocate resources proactively to prevent crime.HunchLab is a predictive policing tool developed by Azavea, which was implemented in 2013 and later sold to ShotSpotter in 2018. The program utilizes machine-learning algorithms to analyze historical crime data and generate forecasts of where and when crimes are likely to occur in each area. The tool provides law enforcement agencies with actionable insights and risk assessments to inform patrol strategies, resource allocation and crime prevention efforts. Some of the agencies that have implemented HunchLab include the Philadelphia Police Department, Los Angeles Police Department and Miami Police Department, among others.HunchLab’s machine- learning algorithms analyze a wide range of data, including crime incident reports, demographic information, weather patterns and other relevant factors to identify patterns and trends in criminal activity. By predicting areas with a higher risk of crime and the times when crime is at its highest, law enforcement agencies can deploy resources more effectively, prioritize patrol efforts and implement targeted crime prevention strategies.
   Overall, HunchLab represents an innovative approach to predictive policing, leveraging advanced data analysis techniques to support evidence-based decision-making and enhance public safety. Ongoing evaluations will decide on the overall success of this platform and others.
3. Community policing initiatives: EBP can support the implementation of community policing initiatives that emphasize collaboration between law enforcement and the communities they serve. By engaging with community members and stakeholders, the police can gather insight and feedback to build strategies and priorities.The Focused Deterrence Program that was developed in High Point, North Carolina, in 1998 targeted prolific offenders through a combination of law enforcement, social services and community engagement. By focusing resources on the small number of individuals most responsible for crime, the program achieved significant reductions in violent crime rates and improved community safety.
4. Training and professional development: EBP encourages ongoing training and professional development for law enforcement officers to familiarize themselves with the latest research findings and best practices in policing. Training programs may cover topics such as procedural justice, de-escalation techniques and effective crime prevention strategies based on empirical evidence.The Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training program was developed in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1988 to improve police responses to individuals experiencing mental health crises. The CIT program involves specialized training, usually 40 hours, for law enforcement officers on how to recognize signs of mental illness, de-escalate crisis situations and connect individuals in need with appropriate mental health resources and services. The training emphasizes empathy, communication skills and nonconfrontational approaches to handling mental health crises. CIT training has been credited with reducing the use of force by police officers in encounters with individuals experiencing mental health issues and diverting them away from the criminal justice system and into treatment. Over 2,700 CIT programs are active, which represents around 15% to 17% of all police agencies nationwide.
5. Evaluation and assessment programs: EBP embraces the development of evaluation and assessment steps to measure the effectiveness of policing strategies and interventions. Through evaluation methodologies, such as randomized controlled trials, police departments can assess the impact of their initiatives on crime reduction, community satisfaction and other relevant outcomes.In 2014, the Rialto, California, Police Department implemented a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the impact of body-worn cameras (BWCs) on police behavior and citizen interactions.
   Officers were randomly assigned to wear BWCs during their shifts, while others did not. Researchers then compared outcomes, such as use-of-force incidents, complaints against officers and citizen satisfaction, between the BWC-wearing officers and those without cameras. The evaluation found that the use of BWCs was associated with significant reductions in both the use of force by police officers and citizen complaints against officers. The presence of BWCs also led to improved transparency and accountability in police–citizen interactions, contributing to enhanced community trust in law enforcement.
6. Policy development and implementation: EBP can influence the development and implementation of policies within police agencies. By incorporating research evidence into policy decisions, departments can adopt practices that have been shown to be effective in achieving their goals while minimizing unintended consequences.The Camden County, New Jersey, Police Department implemented community policing initiatives aimed at building trust, improving communication and fostering collaboration between law enforcement officers and community members. They teamed up with New York University’s Policing Project in 2016. The community policing initiatives in Camden resulted in improved community relations, increased trust in law enforcement and reductions in crime rates. By aligning its policies with EBP principles, the department was able to create a more responsive and effective policing model that addressed the unique needs and priorities of the community.

Evidence-based policing impacts various aspects of law enforcement programming, aiming to enhance the efficiency, effectiveness and legitimacy of police practices through the systematic use of empirical research and data analysis.

The multifaceted benefits of evidence-based policing

1. One of the primary benefits of EBP is the enhancement of decision-making processes within law enforcement agencies. By relying on empirical evidence, agencies can make informed choices about resource allocation, crime prevention strategies and community engagement initiatives.
2. EBP allows for a more strategic and efficient allocation of limited resources. By analyzing data on crime patterns, hot spots and offender behavior, law enforcement agencies can target their efforts where they are most needed, optimizing the impact of their interventions.
3. EBP fosters a culture of accountability and transparency within law enforcement agencies. By grounding decisions in empirical evidence, agencies can more effectively communicate the rationale behind their actions to the public, thereby building trust and legitimacy.
4. Through the implementation of EBP strategies, law enforcement can enhance their relationship with the communities they serve. EBP can contribute to community-oriented policing, fostering collaboration and mutual understanding between law enforcement and the public since it relies upon facts versus subjective decisions.

Challenges and strategies for implementation include both the traditional level of resistance to change that permeates law enforcement and accessibility to quality data. The effective implementation of EBP relies heavily on the availability and quality of data, driven by buy-in from leadership and training for law enforcement staff.