Crime Science and Policing: Lessons of translation

The implementation of effective policing initiatives has become an increasingly important issue in the recent past. This article argues that much of the evidence on police effectiveness has derived from academia, in particular, the development of a more scientific approach to the investigation and development of 'what works' in understanding and controlling crime. The article begins by discussing crime science as a term that subsumes this experimental approach. It goes on to argue that crime science, or in particular the notion of scientific experimentation is, or should be, central to policing policy and practice. The extent to which this represents the reality of policing in the 21st century is then considered and some of the implementation challenges are discussed. Finally, some of the conditions, which may support the introduction of a more empirical policing approach, are reviewed. The article concludes by suggesting that the current tight budgetary conditions might lead to greater interest in innovation and experimentation than hitherto.