Evidence-based policing (EBP) is an approach to policing that prioritises the use of the best available research and data to inform decision-making across all aspects of police work. It aims to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of policing strategies, policies, and practices by grounding them in empirical evidence rather than relying solely on tradition, intuition, or anecdotal information.

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Key principles of EBP include:

• Using rigorous research: EBP emphasises the importance of utilising high-quality research, such as randomised controlled trials, to evaluate the effectiveness of different policing interventions and strategies.

• Data-driven decision-making: EBP encourages police forces to collect and analyse data to identify crime patterns, evaluate the impact of interventions, and inform resource allocation decisions.

• Collaboration: EBP often involves partnerships between police forces, researchers, and community stakeholders to ensure that research is relevant to the needs of the community and that findings are effectively translated into practice.

• Transparency and accountability: EBP promotes transparency in sharing research findings and evaluation results, as well as accountability for the outcomes of police interventions.

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By embracing evidence-based policing, policing can improve public safety, increase community trust, and optimise the use of resources.