It is the relatively new concept of ‘evidenced based medicine’ that has pushed the agenda towards concepts of evidenced based policing. The approach to evidenced based policing is that of a strategy which translates criminal knowledge into streamlined cost-effective policing methods. The word ‘evidence’ in this context relates to that of statistics, costs, risks and benefits. The approach will be similar to that of evidenced based medicine where they use clinical trials. In the police concept it relates to field experiments with real crimes, criminal and victims. These are all utilized in the determination of more cost-effective policing practices. The concept was advanced in July 2008 at the University of Cambridge when they introduced a number of major initiatives with Chief Constables from the UK and four other countries. (University of Cambridge / NPIA, 2008).
Advantages: One of the key advantages of evidenced-based policing is that it is a structured approach towards crime resolution. As such it facilitates the law enforcement officers into adopting a more organized and structured way of thinking. Further, both theory and practice can be integrated and as such this will develop more customized as opposed to off the shelf solutions. It becomes more of a practical tool “not requiring an academic rigorous approach” (Jennett, November 2005) and as such is more flexible adapting to changing circumstances as a consequence of intervention.
Evidence-based policing provides systematic feedback that will facilitate continuous quality improvement in the attainment of police objectives and goals. This new approach may also serve as a lens to focus on identification of limited resources and the associated risks, thereby providing a knowledge base of what works best under what circumstances. This will encourage Police departments to become more cost conscious. (David Weisburd, 2006).
DISADVANTAGES: It is considered that the...