By Dr. Ben Havers - Strategic Research Manager, British Transport Police When people hear the term evidence-based policing, they often think about frontline tactics, crime reduction interventions or operational problem-solving. Those things matter, of course, but I sometimes think we undersell one of the biggest contributions evidence can make: helping forces to deliver their strategic ambitions by making more informed decisions - what to prioritise, where to invest, what to

One of the most common phrases heard in policing is, "There must be research on this somewhere." Closely followed by, "If there isn't, someone should look into it." The reality is that both statements are often true. Police officers and staff make thousands of decisions every day. Many are supported by well-established evidence. Others rely on professional judgement because the evidence simply doesn't exist, isn't easy to find, or hasn't yet reached the people who need it mos

July has not been shy. This month’s research runs from money mules and neighbourhood policing to school holidays, AI safeguards, family liaison officers and what the public looks for in a chief. There are 23 papers in the reading pile, including one returning visitor from June.