Review of the Research Evidence

We categorize strategies based on "what works?", "what's promising?", "what doesn't work?", and "what do we need to know more about?"  (Read more on our Methodology and Intervention Coding page). A summary of our findings appears in the tables below. Click each of the strategies in the tables below to learn more about the strategy and the available research evidence.

 

Click on the Seattle Police Department (SPD) links in the tables below to read more about each practice. For each item in the table below, SPD provided a baseline measure (as of March 2014) of the degree to which it incorporates this research in its practices. As a case study, the Seattle Police Department provided short descriptions of how their practices aligned with the literature and ideas in effective policing in March 2014. We updated the links and materials in Spring 2018, except for those concerning SPD. We hope to receive updates from SPD in the future.

 

WHAT WORKS?
(click on strategy for more information)
How is SPD using this research?
 X
For reducing crime and disorder:
Hot spots policing
         SPD is emerging in its use of this research
 X
For reducing crime and disorder:
Problem-oriented policing
   -      SPD could take steps to incorporate this research
 X
For reducing gang and drug market violence:
Focused deterrence strategies 
(focus on high-rate offenders)
         SPD is emerging in its use of this research
 X
For reducing gun violence:
Directed patrol for gun violence
   -      SPD could take steps to incorporate this research
 X
For clearing more property crimes:
DNA for police investigations
  SPD is emerging in its use of this research
 X
 X
WHAT'S PROMISING?
(click on strategy for more information)
How is SPD using this research?
 X
For making investigations fairer/reducing false confessions:
Information-gathering interrogation approach
         SPD is emerging in its use of this research
 X
For improving police/community relations:
Community policing and procedural justice
   -      SPD could take steps to incorporate this research
 X
For reducing property crime:
CCTV 
         SPD is emerging in its use of this research
X
X
WHAT DOESN'T WORK?
(click on strategy for more information)
How is SPD using this research?
 X
For reducing crime and improving efficiency:
"Standard model" policing tactics   (random preventive patrol, rapid response to 911 calls, general increases in arrests)
         SPD is emerging in its use of this research
 X
For reducing subsequent family violence:
Second responder programs
         SPD is emerging in its use of this research
 X
For reducing youth drug/alcohol use:
Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) 
   N/A      SPD has appropriately discontinued this practice
 X
X

 

WHAT DO WE NEED TO KNOW MORE ABOUT?
(click on strategy for more information)
How is SPD using this research?
 X
For reducing serious crime:
Broken windows policing
         SPD is emerging in its use of this research
 X
For reducing crime:
Increasing department size
   N/A      SPD department size will be determined through the Settlement Agreement process
 X
For clearing cases and reducing crime:
Investigations by detectives
         SPD is emerging in its use of this research
 X
For reducing crime and preventing attacks:
Counterterrorism strategies
          SPD is emerging in its use of this research
 X
For reducing crime and improving efficiency:
Police technology   (ShotSpotter, drones, license plate readers)
         SPD is emerging in its use of this research