Evidence-Based Policing: Reducing Crime and Disorder with Informed Strategy

Date

2017

Authors

Smith, Bobby

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas (LEMIT)

Abstract

Police leaders all over the world are charged with identifying and effectively addressing crime and disorder problems so that the quality of life for constituents is maximized. If leaders are to realize success, they should look to the latest scientific research to determine what activities produce the best outcomes and then implement effective strategies. These strategies include hot spots policing with a strong problem-oriented and community-oriented policing component. If implemented correctly, the leader will realize positive outcomes such as a reduction in crime and disorder, as well as an increase in perceived police legitimacy. Additionally, evidence-based strategies increase efficiency, and this is particularly important in an environment where resources are scarce. There are some potential impediments such as police organizational culture and the resistance to change, but with the right implementation strategy, success is attainable. Police leaders should also realize that the displacement of crime and disorder to other sections of the community is generally not backed by research and so this issue should not be considered when implementing hot spots policing strategies (Weisburd et al., 2010). Properly implemented evidence-based policing strategies will reduce crime, improve police legitimacy, and increase efficiency in the use of resources, all without displacing crime to other locations in the community.

Description

Keywords

Organizational change, Organizational behavior

Citation

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