Evidence-based policing - Essay Example

Evidence Based Policing Evidence Based Policing Evidence based policing is the use of the most appropriate research, to get the most appropriate end product of police work. Normally, this brings forth guidelines and evaluates all the agencies and units in the police department. The policing stipulates that more is needed, besides just doing research, and a lot is required to put the gained research evidence into practice. This type of policing has several advantages. First, through evidence based policing, realization of what works best for every agency or unit in the police department is achieved.

This in turn, helps in improving the performance of the department where the policing is being applied (Pawson, 2006).Secondly, this type of policing, can be used to reduce violence against victims. Research can be carried out by experts in that field, and come up with guidelines that can help reduce violence on victims (Nutley, 2000). This policing however, has a disadvantage, in that the evaluation is not always effective. Some officers in certain departments may be too reluctant to allow these guidelines to bring changes in their way operation.

This might be as a result of the amount of the power vested on them in their offices.Initially, In Kenya, the traffic police department was the most disorganized police unit. However, numerous researches were done and the guidelines utilized. Today, it is one of the most effective departments in the police unit. In addition, the Kenyan navy has gone through numerous changes with the help of evidence based policing. It has incorporated new guidelines in its working system, and this has made cases of pirate activities in the Indian Ocean to decline significantly.

In conclusion, evidence based policing has unquestionably benefitted the entire police department in one way or another (Pawson, 2006).ReferencesNutley, S. (2000). What works?: Evidence based policy and practise in public services. Chicago: The Policy Press.Pawson, R. (2006). Evidence Based Policy: A Realist Perspective. Harvard: Sage.