Introduction

Evidence-based policing is a term used for developing and improving policy based on scientific study: what works. It is forward thinking. It is not a rubber stamp for existing programs. A study based on sound scientific methods is conducted and then policy is developed, tested, or reformed based on the results. This requires an open-minded, transparent department willing to allow data to be given to an outside, independent research team. Good examples of this include: Taylor et al.’s study of sex crime victims in Victoria, Australia (see Taylor et al., 2012) or Engel’s various works with the police of Cincinnati, Ohio, United States (see, e.g., Thompson, 2009 or Engel & Whalen, 2010).