The efficacy of Evidence based policing: Analysis of EBP practice and perception in the response officer role, and key comparative areas within policing, through multi-variate and holistic analysis.

Abstract

There is a significant amount of academic research available that address the benefits and value in evidence-based policing. Where the research base lacks, however, is in academic analysis of ‘actual’ police officer use and involvement with this policing model. With a glaring gap in research on actual police officers and staff efficacy of evidence-based policing, this research project was designed to explore this under explored area of policing academics. A specific focus is put on response officers here in, with a comparison to the wider force. This research analysis identifies participant knowledge, confidence, frequency of use, and perceived value as the core aspects to identifying efficacy within this policing model. Trends between these factors emerged. Of note, A multi-correlation coefficient is identified and presented in the data, with positive and negative trends in one variable effecting all three. Further to relationships of data, this research identifies a persistent negative perception of EBP from response officers, when compared to other participants. However, this is reversed when response participants also identify as belonging to either the PCDA or DHEP entry route. These participants show the highest perceived value of EBP and present the best definitions of it. When analysed by department alone, those who identified as belonging to the Protecting vulnerable people department, show the highest overall comprehension and practical use of EBP principals. This research is extensive, using an eclectic research model to cover as many valid areas of research as practicable. The research findings are compared to existing literature for an inferential comparison. This research may benefit from repeated application across larger samples of populations and across multiple forces.