Using Implementation Science to Improve Evidence-Based Policing: An Introduction for Researchers and Practitioners

Area of Science:

• Criminology
• Public Health
• Implementation Science

Background:

• Evidence-based policing (EBP) aims to integrate research into law enforcement practices.
• Implementation science (IS) is widely used in healthcare but underutilized in policing.
• Gaps exist in research and practical application of IS within police settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To orient police researchers and practitioners to implementation science (IS).
• To demonstrate the applicability of IS to policing by drawing parallels with healthcare.
• To survey existing literature and adapt IS models for police contexts.

Main Methods:

• Review of EBP's historical roots in healthcare.
• Adaptation of a conceptual model of IS for policing.
• Introduction of hybrid implementation/effectiveness trial designs.
• Case illustrations of IS application in policing.

Main Results:

• IS offers a framework for translating research into policing with fidelity and sustainability.
• The paper adapts IS models and proposes trial designs suitable for dynamic police environments.
• De-implementation of problematic practices is identified as a crucial, often overlooked, aspect of IS.

Conclusions:

• IS can help police adopt evidence-informed practices that enhance public safety and community trust.
• Integrating IS into EBP requires addressing contestable values and norms within policing.
• The paper provides agendas for future research and practice in police implementation science.