Evidence-Based Policing

Jerry H. Ratcliffe is a former British police officer, Professor of Criminal Justice at Temple University, US, and host of the popular Reducing Crime podcast.

• 1. What is evidence-based policing? 2. What are the origins of evidence-based policy? 3. What does good science look like? 4. What is the scientific method? 5. How do you identify a specific problem? 6. How do you find reliable research? 7. How do you evaluate policy research? 8. How do you develop a hypothesis and research question? 9. What are some core research concepts? 10. How do you make research methodology choices? 11. How do randomized experiments work? 12. How do you design a powerful experiment? 13. How do you know if an intervention is significant? 14. Where do you publish results? 15. What are the challenges with evidence-based policing? 16. What is next for evidence-based policing?

Evidence-based policing must engage a wider audience, including students and police officers new to the subject. Jerry Ratcliffe’s accessible and practical book is an ideal introduction. It not only shows why EBP is so important, but also how to do policing with better evidence for better results. If every police officer could master the content of this book, the world would be a safer place. Lawrence W. Sherman, Cambridge University and Honorary President, Society for Evidence-Based PolicingAs a police practitioner who understands the complexity of evidence-based policing, I highly recommend Jerry’s new book which breaks it down into manageable bite-size chunks. With simple figures, insightful callouts, flowcharts, and short, easy-to-read chapters, this is the perfect guide to this emerging paradigm.Renée Mitchell, Police Sergeant (Sacramento PD retd.) and President of the American Society of Evidence-Based PolicingPolice leaders who are interested in understanding the knowledge base of their profession need this book. It helps executives make smart, informed decisions about new plans, programs, and initiatives they may be considering. It also gives leaders the information necessary to collaborate with academics on research projects that will benefit their agencies and the profession.John Hall, Deputy Inspector, New York City Police Department and NIJ LEADS scholarThis book breaks down and practically explains evidence-based policing. Not only is it a useful guide for police officers wanting to understand if their strategies, tactics, or policies are having the desired impact, it should be used by researchers wanting to work with police to better understand evidence-based policing. Mike Newman, Detective Inspector, Queensland Police Service, Australia