Thinking Big in Smaller Departments: Bringing Academic Research into Policing

Monday, October 21, 2024

4:00 PM – 5:00 PM ET

Location: 253A

Submitter and Speaker(s)

Oliver Bowers, Ph.D.

Management Analyst
Tumwater (WA) Police Department
Tumwater, Washington, United States

Speaker(s)

Jay Mason

Commander
Tumwater (WA) Police Department
Tumwater, Washington, United States
Carlos Quiles

Lieutenant
Tumwater (WA) Police Department
Tumwater, Washington, United States

Data-driven strategies and evidence-based practices are not just important for big metropolitan police departments. Smaller departments typically experience many similar issues but on a smaller scale, necessitating a research-based approach that is appropriate for all sizes of departments. This presentation includes real-world examples from a smaller department that illustrate how a research-based approach can significantly impact a department, such as by helping make decisions regarding efficient and effective use of resources, department problem-solving, strategic planning, and crime-related issues. By creating bespoke data-driven solutions based on evidence-based practices, the communities served gain confidence in the decision-making processes of their police departments.