Making evidence-based policing (EBP) mainstream in the United States is a challenging feat. There are many advantages that formal research in law enforcement can provide, research represents knowledge; brings light to unawareness and uncertainty; and focuses on the truths of reality. But even with a recent push for research to be more prevalent in the policing profession, there is still more work to do in advancing EBP. In the profession today, those of us moving EBP forward are actively engaged in using research to enhance the profession, and to keep our communities safe.

Trust and Legitimacy

Today, the profession faces increased scrutiny and the case for implementing evidence-based practices couldn’t be more compelling. For example, in some communities, police can be viewed with suspicion and distrust. One reason is strategies and initiatives employed to approach crime and punishment often do not include all possible stakeholders.

One effective way to build trust and legitimacy in communities is to seek out evidence-based practices and integrate them into the DNA of the police organization. Using scientific research to prevent crime and solve neighborhood problems increases an agency’s legitimacy for the rank and file, as well as for the communities they serve. In order for all stakeholders to come together, and work in partnership, research must be a major component in developing legitimacy everyone can agree on. The great thing about research is that it does not have an agenda, it doesn’t belong to a political party, and it does not have any religious affiliations. Research is simply what it is: unbiased truth.

How EBP Can Further Protect People

Any academic or research organization has an Institutional Review Board (IRB) to protect research subjects from research deemed harmful. The first tenant of any IRB is to do no harm. In the pharmaceutical industry, no medication is introduced to the market without some form of rigorous research and development. Even in the testing phase, participants are informed on what testing is for, and possible side effects associated with the product. After research and development is completed, a governing board still has to review the process before approval is given before it is made available to the public.

In any industry, if policies and procedures are known to cause harm, there’s an expectation and responsibility to modify or stop the practice altogether. The policing profession is no exception, and the public expects that of us. Although there is no official IRB to review policies, procedure currently, the policing profession can hopefully see a time (in the not so distant future) where evidence-based policing will be the foundation for how policing is shaped in the 21^st Century.  

What is Being Done to Increase Use of EBP

The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) has recognized the need to bridge the gap between researchers and law enforcement agencies in these efforts. One way the NIJ does this is through the Law Enforcement Advancing Data and Science (LEADS) Scholars Program. Each year, NIJ selects ten sworn police officers conducting research within their organization or other police organizations. LEADS Scholars are practitioners conducting formal research in the field today. These practitioners partner with criminologists and research institutions to improve the policing profession through research.

LEADS Scholars are doing research all over the United States, with projects covering almost every facet of the criminal justice system. If you’re a leader in policing or a researcher, reach out to the LEADS Scholars (current and/or alumni). If you’re interested, consider applying for the LEADS program. These talented individuals will partner with you and put you in touch with others having a level of expertise beneficial to your specific areas of interests.

As a LEADS Scholar, I’m committed to seeing the profession progress and it begins with seeking the knowledge by utilizing research & development processes to develop practices keeping officers and communities safe.