What counts as ‘evidence’?

Police should create an organisational environment of critical thinking, scepticism and experimentation around their work.

Evidence-based policing is the application of empirical research to police decision-making. ‘Evidence’ means knowledge derived from the principles of scientific method, namely critical thinking and careful observation. Policing decisions should be based on rigorous research, and there are many small steps that can build research into practice and vice versa. South African law enforcement officials, academics and researchers must find a common language for collaboration.

About the author

Anine Kriegler is a doctoral candidate and researcher with the Centre of Criminology at the University of Cape Town (UCT). She has a Master’s degree in international relations from UCT and another Master’s degree in criminology from the University of Cambridge. Her primary areas of research interest are crime statistics and drug policy. She is co-author of the book A Citizen's Guide to Crime Trends in South Africa.

Picture: Amelia Broodryk/ISS