Evidence review study of public health interventions in policing: an example of translating evidence into practice for implementation of effective interventions for crime reduction

Abstract

BackgroundWe describe the use of a study group to assess the potential effectiveness of proactive and place-based approaches to reduce crime in two localities that focused on domestic violence (DV). Evidence-based policing operates under the same principles as evidence-based medicine to use the best scientific evidence. Research and analysis became part of the conversation about how to reduce crime, increase legitimacy, and address internal problems, in an effort to make the large body of research evidence more accessible to practitioners in terms of both generalised principles and specific examples of interventions. MethodsWe used a Campbell Collaboration systematic review that has been developed in the USA into an online practice translation instrument (resource pack) by Lum, Koper, and Telep (2009), called the evidence-based policing matrix. Using rapid appraisal theory, a study group of multidisciplinary stakeholders appraised the evidence presented in the matrix. They first prioritised DV over other crimes on the basis of recent statistical and performance information before appraising summaries of 16 intervention research papers specifically on DV to identify and prioritise the most promising interventions that could be transferred or adapted as part of a local action plan through a series of structured and facilitated meetings, resulting in an evidence report with recommendations. FindingsIn both Derbyshire and Sandwell, numbers of DV calls to the police are estimated annually (n=6000). DV incidents are under-reported. The study group established locally that around 80% of perpetrators of DV may not receive any further advice or intervention after the first reported incident to the police and will return into the community without any conditions imposed. Therefore, the group decided to focus on DV. The rapid appraisal process undertaken by the group identified arrest as an effective police response for reduction of DV, but there were several contextual factors to consider when developing an appropriate local policy response. The consensus that emerged within the study group was that arrest was the start of a process that should include other interventions for the victim and the perpetrator, and the applicability of this process was explored within Derbyshire and Sandwell contexts by drawing on local professional knowledge. The study suggested six potential types of interventions: mandatory arrest; system-initiated warrants for suspects absent at the scene; follow-up home visit interventions; DV unit; public education programme; and treatment programmes. InterpretationWe describe a novel example of use of science and knowledge transfer methodology to transfer evidence to police as joint partners. The police are using these findings to implement changes in their arrest policies and are designing new programmes for perpetrators to be implemented after arrest on the basis of a victim-led restorative justice approach, whereby a perpetrator who admits the offence can access specialised services aimed at future prevention. Derbyshire is piloting the domestic abuse perpetrator scheme and Sandwell is designing a similar intervention. For public health, police, and other organisations to collaborate, they came together under the theme of prevention and reduction of violence to improve the wider determinants of health. Key to this process is motivation and alliance with the community safety partnership; acceptance within the police of recommendations from front-line staff involved in the knowledge translation process; and understanding of limitations of data for statistical evidence. FundingDepartment of Health National Institute for Health Research, Birmingham and Black Country Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care programme.