Evidence-Based Policing (EBP) is about using the best evidence available to inform decision making. We look to what has worked in the past to inform the future.

Evidence-based policing is a framework that guides police officers, leaders, and organizations to make decisions and set priorities based on scientific evidence, in partnership with their professional experience. It is data-driven and focused on the importance of statistical analysis and research to critically examine the effectiveness of current and future policies.

There are 4 Key Ideas in EBP:

1. Scientific research has a role to play in developing effective in efficient policing programs  – We want to get the best result using the least resources possible.
   

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2. Research produced must reach standards of methodological rigor that can be useful to policing – Research needs to be solid, valid, and unbias. Should follow guidelines set by research professionals (Maryland Scale).
   

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3. Results should be easily translatable into everyday policing practices and policies. – We need to be testing realistic strategies and be able to actually use the research in the policing field.

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4. Research should be the outcome of a blending of police experience and academic research. – It’s a partnership! A mixture of expertise to meet a common goal: better & smatter policing.

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