Chapter 3: Evidence-Based Policing and Leadership

Evidence-based policing continues to gain prominence globally as police services and scholars attempt to develop a research base of “what works” in policing. In this chapter, we discuss what evidence-based policing is and how it has been used in policing. We make the case for evidence-based policing being important to the future of policing as it provides support and a rationale for police decision-making, shows why certain police strategies and practices work or don't, and provides tools for police services to tackle complex issues in their communities. In addition, we explore the evidence base of police leadership and argue for a procedurally just approach. This chapter concludes by emphasizing the potential that evidence-based policing has for transforming policing if embraced by police leaders and the significant hurdles that are still left to overcome for that to come to fruition.