Police Leadership and Embracing Evidence-Based Policing Practices

Not long ago, a seasoned police leader asked me, “Isn’t evidence-based policing just what we already do?” It was an honest question—and a revealing one. Like many in law enforcement, he associated “evidence” with physical items like fingerprints, DNA, or contraband. While traditional evidence is foundational to criminal investigations, evidence-based policing refers to something different: the use of scientific research, data, and analysis to guide decision-making, policy, and strategy.

Law enforcement culture has long emphasized response-based operations—answering calls for service and collecting physical evidence to support prosecutions. But proactive problem-solving requires a broader lens. Evidence-based policing (EBP) is about identifying what’s happening in our communities, understanding why it’s happening, and using that knowledge to design and implement targeted interventions.

Why EBP Matters for Leadership

Ask any officer and they can identify high-crime areas they return to repeatedly — same locations, same individuals, same outcomes. This pattern is common and frustrating for both officers and residents. The question for police leaders is: are we examining these recurring problems through a strategic, analytical lens? Are we using data and evidence to understand the root causes—and to take action?

This is where EBP becomes essential. It moves us from reactive to proactive, from anecdotal to analytical, and from short-term fixes to long-term impact.

The Role of Leadership

As leaders, your role is not just to support EBP but to champion it. Officers will not embrace new strategies without guidance, support, and clear communication from leadership. The goal is not to force change, but to educate—providing practical, relatable explanations of how EBP can reduce repeat calls, address chronic problems, and free up officers for more impactful work.

Policing cannot rely solely on enforcement. We will always need to respond to calls and make arrests. But if we are committed to public safety and community well-being, we must also focus on prevention and harm reduction. That requires strategic leadership, cross-sector collaboration, and a willingness to evolve.

How to Apply EBP Practically

EBP isn’t theoretical. It’s about using existing resources more effectively. For example:

• Use Data Strategically: Pull data on violent crime, drug activity, or mental health-related calls. Map it. Identify patterns by location and time. Use this analysis to guide deployment and intervention strategies.

• Apply Proven Models: Frameworks like SARA (Scan, Analyze, Respond, Assess) and PANDA (Problem Scan, Analyze, Nominate Strategy, Deploy, Assess) help structure problem-solving efforts in a way that’s clear and operationally sound.

• Leverage Crime Analysts: If you have crime analysts, use them. They can turn routine reports into actionable insights. If not, consider partnerships or training to build that capacity.

• Engage the Community: Residents often know more about neighborhood issues than we do. Conduct community surveys, host listening sessions, and partner with local leaders. Their feedback is vital—and it builds trust.

• Coordinate with Other Agencies: Many underlying issues (e.g., mental health, housing, infrastructure) fall outside traditional policing roles. Engage with service providers and municipal departments to develop coordinated responses. Use tools like CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design) and Place Network Investigations (PNI) to identify and eliminate environmental risk factors.

• Co-Deploy with Service Providers: In areas with recurring behavioral health or social service needs, consider joint deployments with mental health professionals, peer support staff, or community advocates. Equip officers and partners with resources to support individuals in crisis.

  
  

Accountability and Evaluation

It’s not enough to implement a strategy—you must measure its impact. Collect data before and after interventions. Track what was done, where, and by whom. Evaluate outcomes honestly. If something isn’t working, adapt. Integrity in analysis is key to long-term credibility and success.

The Bigger Picture

Evidence-based policing isn't a replacement for traditional policing—it’s an enhancement. It empowers officers to do more than respond; it allows them to create meaningful change. It enables leadership to move from reactive management to strategic guidance, increasing effective police efforts.

If we are serious about improving community safety, supporting officers, and using resources wisely, evidence-based practices must become core to our operational philosophy. This shift starts at the top. Leaders set the tone. Leaders create the culture.

Success will require commitment, collaboration, and a willingness to learn—but the payoff is lasting, meaningful improvement for both the community and the agency.

Are you interested in learning more about EBP practices? Contact me for more information!