In this conversation, Rick Muir and Matt Bland discuss the evolution and current state of evidence-based policing (EBP) in the UK. They explore the role of the Society for Evidence-Based Policing, the challenges faced in implementing EBP, and the perspectives of police leaders on the importance of integrating scientific methods into policing practices.

The discussion highlights the progress made, the ongoing challenges, and the future directions for EBP, emphasizing the need for a cultural shift within policing to embrace evidence-based practices. This conversation delves into the complexities of evidence-based policing (EBP), exploring its role in shaping police strategies, the balance between individual initiatives and system-wide approaches, and the importance of building an evaluation culture within policing.

It discusses the challenges of integrating evidence into policy-making, the influence of public opinion on policing decisions, and the necessity of professional judgment in the face of evidence. The conversation emphasizes the need for accessible evidence and the dangers of adopting a one-size-fits-all approach in policing practices.

Takeaways

• Evidence-based policing is a growing field in the UK.
• The Society for Evidence-Based Policing aims to embed EBP in policing.
• There is a critical mass of practitioners needed for EBP to become the norm.
• Police leaders have varying levels of understanding of EBP.
• Financial constraints pose significant challenges to EBP implementation.
• Cultural acceptance of failure is necessary for EBP growth.
• Evidence-based practices are beginning to show positive outcomes.
• Training and education in EBP are essential for new officers.
• The future of EBP relies on gathering more implementation evidence.
• Policing must balance evidence with discretion and experience. Evidence-based practice should be a concern for everyone in policing.
• Local context is crucial when implementing evidence-based strategies.
• There is a need for a culture of evaluation in policing initiatives.
• Policing performance is influenced by various external factors, not just EBP.
• Policy development should incorporate evidence but is often influenced by political factors.
• Public opinion can complicate the implementation of evidence-based practices.
• Professional judgment remains essential in policing decisions.
• Evidence accessibility is a significant challenge for practitioners.
• Policing should not adopt a rigid, one-size-fits-all approach.
• The integration of evidence into policing requires ongoing dialogue and adaptation.

Sound Bites

• “Evidence-based policing is my particular niche.”
• “We can see what’s behind us, below us.”
• “Policing is a social construct, right?”
• “There is a lot of police leaders who get it.”
• “There’s a tension between EBP and initiatives.”
• “We’ve got to move beyond just doing something.”
• “Policy can’t be entirely separated from evidence.”
• “Policing is incredibly complex and dynamic.”
• “Evidence is not accessible.”

Chapters
00:00 – Introduction to Evidence-Based Policing
06:52 – The Role of the Society for Evidence-Based Policing
12:13 – Current State of Evidence-Based Policing
17:56 – Challenges in Implementing Evidence-Based Policing
24:00 – Perspectives of Police Leaders on Evidence-Based Policing
26:50 – Future Directions for Evidence-Based Policing
28:22 – The Role of Evidence in Policing Strategies
30:14 – Balancing Individual Initiatives and System-Wide Strategies
32:40 – Building an Evaluation Culture in Policing
35:24 – The Impact of Evidence-Based Policing on Performance
37:50 – Navigating Policy and Evidence in Policing
40:46 – The Role of Public Opinion in Evidence-Based Decisions
45:09 – Reconciling Evidence with Professional Judgment
49:31 – Avoiding a One-Size-Fits-All Approach in Policing
52:24 – Accessibility of Evidence in Policing

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