Evidence-based Policing
At the National Counter Terrorism Security Office (NaCTSO) we are passionate about ensuring that the best available evidence supports the work we do to keep the public safe from terrorism.
To support this, we are fully committed to embedding an evidence-based policing approach to ensure that our policies, practices and decisions are guided by evidence of what works best.
Such an approach supports us in our ambition to enhance knowledge, manage resources, and increase effectiveness and efficiency.
What is Evidence-based Policing?
Evidence-based policing (EBP) means that the best available evidence is used to inform and challenge policing policies, practices and decisions. An EBP approach can be used by everyone in policing. It can be supported by collaboration with academics and other partners.
Research to support EBP
The best available evidence will use appropriate research methods and sources for the question being asked.
Research can be used to:
- develop a better understanding of an issue – by describing the nature, extent and possible causes of a problem or looking at how a change was implemented
- assess the effect of a policing intervention – by testing the impact of a new initiative in a specific context or exploring the possible consequences of a change in policing
Research should be carefully conducted, peer reviewed and transparent about its methods, limitations and how its conclusions were reached. The theoretical basis and context of the research should also be made clear.
Where there is little or no formal research, other evidence may be regarded as the best available, if it is gathered and documented in a careful and transparent way. This could include professional consensus and peer review.
Critical thinking
EBP does not provide definitive answers.
Officers, staff and volunteers should reflect on their practice, consider how the best available evidence applies to their day-to-day work and learn from their successes and failures. This approach encourages everyone to ask questions, challenge accepted practices and innovate in the public interest.
You can read more about Evidence-based policing on the College of Policing website: College of Policing, 2022
Due to the ever-changing nature of terrorism, an EBP approach can improve our ability to proactively manage emerging threats and identify cost-effective and proportionate approaches.
ProtectUK, Evidence-Based Policing and Academia
We understand that knowledge is best when shared.
To fully support the ambition to embed evidence-based practice, ProtectUK will be utilised as the key platform to share, champion and inspire investment in protect and prepare research and approaches.
Further information
You can learn more about EBP and evidence-based practices by visiting the College of Policing website.
You can also Join the Society of Evidence-based Policing and find more information on their website.
