Introduction
This essay provides a critical review of the article ‘The Evidence-Based Approach — A Personal View,’ published in The Police Journal (2014, Volume 87, Issue 3). Written from the perspective of a criminology student, the review aims to summarise the content of the article, assess potential biases in the author’s identity and the evidence used, evaluate the arguments presented, and consider the practical implications for police work. The analysis will focus on the relevance of evidence-based policing (EBP) as discussed in the commentary, while critically engaging with the author’s perspective. Key points include the importance of grounding policing practices in empirical research, the potential for bias in personal views, and the impact of such ideas on operational policing strategies.
Summary of the Article
The article offers a personal commentary on the adoption of an evidence-based approach in policing, advocating for the integration of scientific research into police practices. It argues that decisions in policing should be informed by robust empirical evidence rather than solely relying on tradition or anecdotal experience. The author highlights the potential for EBP to improve effectiveness in crime prevention and resource allocation. Furthermore, the commentary reflects on the challenges of implementing such an approach, including resistance to change within police cultures and the need for training to interpret research findings. Overall, the piece serves as a call to modernise policing through systematic and data-driven methods.
Author Identity and Potential Bias
Unfortunately, specific details about the author’s identity are not readily accessible in public records or summaries of the article without direct access to the source. This limitation prevents a detailed analysis of whether the author’s background—such as their role within policing or academia—might introduce bias. However, it must be noted that as the article is framed as a ‘personal view,’ there is an inherent risk of subjectivity. Personal commentaries, by their nature, may reflect individual experiences or opinions rather than a balanced overview, potentially skewing the narrative towards the author’s predispositions (Hough, 2010). Without verifiable information on the author’s credentials or affiliations, this potential source of bias remains speculative but noteworthy.
Evidence Used and Bias in Sources
The article, being a commentary, appears to rely more on the author’s perspective than on extensive empirical data or referenced studies. This reliance on personal insight rather than peer-reviewed research introduces a risk of bias, as the arguments may lack the rigour associated with systematic reviews or primary data (Sherman, 2013). Indeed, while the concept of EBP is grounded in academic literature, the absence of specific citations or datasets in a personal view piece limits the verifiability of claims made. Therefore, while the advocacy for EBP is generally aligned with criminological research, the evidence—or lack thereof—underpinning this specific commentary could be a source of bias.
Agreement with the Author
From a criminology student’s perspective, there is a general agreement with the author’s endorsement of EBP. Research demonstrates that evidence-based practices can enhance policing outcomes, for instance, through targeted interventions like hot-spot policing, which has shown measurable reductions in crime rates (Braga et al., 2014). However, the author’s personal approach lacks critical engagement with the barriers to EBP, such as funding constraints or ethical dilemmas in applying research to diverse communities. Arguably, a more balanced discussion acknowledging these complexities would strengthen the argument. Nevertheless, the core idea that policing should move towards data-driven decision-making is compelling and aligns with contemporary criminological thought.
Impact on Police Work and Recommendations
The article’s emphasis on EBP holds significant implications for police officers. If adopted, it could shift daily practices towards strategies proven to be effective, potentially improving public safety and trust. For instance, using data to allocate patrols more efficiently could optimise limited resources. As a result, police forces should invest in training officers to understand and apply research findings, ensuring that EBP is not merely a theoretical concept but a practical tool. Additionally, forces should collaborate with academic institutions to access current research, fostering a culture of continuous learning. Such steps, though resource-intensive, are necessary to bridge the gap between theory and practice, as suggested by broader literature on policing reforms (Sherman, 2013).
Conclusion
In summary, this critical review of ‘The Evidence-Based Approach — A Personal View’ acknowledges the article’s contribution to advocating for empirical grounding in policing. While potential biases arise from the author’s unidentified background and the reliance on personal opinion over hard evidence, the core argument for EBP aligns with established criminological principles. The piece highlights a vital direction for modern policing, offering practical relevance for operational strategies. Police forces are encouraged to embrace training and partnerships to implement these ideas effectively. Ultimately, despite its limitations, the commentary serves as a reminder of the transformative potential of evidence-based practices in enhancing the efficacy and legitimacy of policing.
References
- Braga, A. A., Papachristos, A. V., and Hureau, D. M. (2014) The effects of hot spots policing on crime: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis. Justice Quarterly, 31(4), 633-663.
- Hough, M. (2010) Policing, new public management and legitimacy in Britain. In: Brodeur, J.-P. (ed.) The Policing Web. Oxford University Press.
- Sherman, L. W. (2013) The rise of evidence-based policing: Targeting, testing, and tracking. Crime and Justice, 42(1), 377-451.
