Strengthening Evidence-Based Policing Through Applied Research Partnerships

Session Submission Type: Complete Thematic Panel

Abstract/Description

Objectives: Collaborations between law enforcement agencies and researchers are increasingly vital in addressing contemporary policing challenges. These partnerships facilitate evidence-based strategies, enhance operational effectiveness, and promote community trust. This panel will explore best practices, challenges, and future directions in applied research partnerships between policing agencies and research institutions.

Data/methods: Four papers report on studies that involve and glean lessons from action research partnerships between researchers and police agencies throughout the United States. Collectively, the papers highlight the promise and challenges associated with such partnerships.

Results: The first study uses automated vehicle locator data to analyze patterns of police vehicle availability and officer proactivity in Kansas City, MO. The second study reports findings from the start of a three-year problem-oriented place-based policing project in Wauwatosa, WI. The third study recounts a long-term applied research partnership focused on homicide reduction in Baltimore. The fourth study draws upon a decade of police-practitioner partnerships to reflect the benefits, challenges, and best practices inherent in action research.

Conclusions/implications: Successful applied research in policing requires navigating organizational and methodological complexities. Collectively, the papers on this panel provide a blueprint for facilitating applied policing research and further developing evidence-based policing.

Sub Unit

• Area VI. The Criminal Justice System / 43. Police Strategies, Interventions, and Evaluations

Individual Presentations

• Answering Elusive Questions about Patrol Status Using Automated Vehicle Locator Data - Nathan Connealy, University of Tampa; Eric L. Piza, Northeastern University; Savannah A. Reid, Northeastern University; Christianna Palermo, Northeastern University; Victoria A. Sytsma, Queen's University

• Establishing Police-Led Science in the Wauwatosa, WI Police Department - David Cefalu, Wauwatosa Police Department; Eric L. Piza, Northeastern University; Dominick Ratkowski, Wauwatosa Police Department; Joseph Zientek, Wauwatosa Police Department

• An Applied Partnership for Homicide Reduction in Baltimore - Ben Struhl, University of Pennsylvania; Lisa Barao, University of Pennsylvania; Anthony Braga, University of Pennsylvania

• Reflections From a Decade of Partnering With the Police - Charlotte Gill, George Mason University

Organized by a Division or external group?

Division of Policing