Advancing Police-researcher Collaboration and Evidence-based Policing: an Evaluation of the Applied Criminology and Data Management Course

• NCJ Number: 310280
• Journal: Police Practice and Research Dated: Nov 2024
• Author(s): Paige E. Vaughn; Renee J. Mitchell
• Date Published: November 2024
• Grant Number(s): 2019-75-CX-0007
• Agencies: NIJ-Sponsored
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical)
• Award: ASEBP Program in Applied Criminology and Crime Management

Annotation

This article presents the research methodology and findings from a 16-month-long Applied Criminology and Data Management Course (ACDC), which aimed to train police executives and early-career researchers to work together, produce evidence-based policing research, and disseminate their findings; it suggests that ACDC can serve as a successful and feasible model for advancing EBP.

Abstract

While the demand for evidence-based policing (EBP) has increased and researchers continue to generate important research findings, few targeted educational efforts have been made to nurture effective police-researcher collaboration and integrate EBP into police practice. The current study evaluates a 16-month-long Applied Criminology and Data Management Course (ACDC), which aimed to train police executives and early-career researchers to work together, produce EBP research, and disseminate their findings. Survey and observational data assess participant progress on four key Kirkpatrick evaluation model metrics: reaction, learning, behavior, and results. ACDC participants demonstrated satisfaction with the program and knowledge of skills required for effective collaboration and research. Most notably, they demonstrated application of skills through applied research and dissemination of results. Participants proved committed to advancing EBP via trainings to police executives and community stakeholders, publications, presentations, promotions to various relevant positions, and secured grant funding. Overall, these preliminary results suggest that ACDC can serve as a successful and feasible model for advancing EBP. (Published Abstract Provided)