CR4006 - Evidence Based Policing

What will I learn on this module?

On this module you will examine the professional concept of evidence-based policing (EBP) and be able to explain ways in which EBP has been used to better inform policing and the delivery of effective and efficient police services in local communities. The module introduces you to problem-orientated approaches to policing and you will develop knowledge of problem-solving techniques and their application in practice. The use of community intelligence and links to the National Intelligence Model are addressed.

Key threads running throughout the module are criminological approaches to study skills, effective academic writing, and primary and secondary information and data gathering techniques. The aim is to encourage and foster your ability to engage in critical argument and reflection, evaluate research publications informed by qualitative and quantitative data, and learn how to develop logical conclusions based on sound and reliable evidence.

CoP pre-join curriculum learning outcomes: CoP February 2026 v3.0
Core National Learning
The police constable role and professional standards 10.1, 10.2; 11.1 & 11.4
Prevention and problem solving (incorporating evidence-based policing) 1.1–1.6; 2.1–2.4; 3.1, 3.2; 4.1
Neighbourhood, community and partnership working 1a.1–1a.3; 7.1
Information and intelligence 2.1; 2.1–2.5; 3.1; 4.1
Conducting investigations 8.1
Core National Supporting Information
Supporting/Supplementary Material
The Police Constable role and professional standards
Community policing and partnership working
Information, intelligence and evidence
Leadership and team working
Wellbeing and resilience
Prevention and problem solving (incorporating evidence-based policing)

How will I learn on this module?

You will learn through a series of different delivery styles which will include traditional taught lectures to cover theoretical aspects, supplemented with seminar and workshop sessions, where you will be a more active learning, applying the theory into practice.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

You will be supported through active participation and discussion during seminars and workshops. These offer a unique opportunity to fully understand evidence-based policing and problem-solving approaches used to better inform police practice, and to develop your criminological study and research skills. All lecture, seminar and workshop material will be available on the University’s eLearning Portal, supplemented with guidance on further reading relevant to the subjects. Written assessment feedback will also be provided to allow you to understand how you performed and how you can build on this performance in subsequent assessments within your programme.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:
1. You will demonstrate knowledge and understanding of key concepts relating to evidence-based policing and problem-solving techniques, and how these methods have been used to inform areas of police practice.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
2. You will demonstrate the ability to undertake a critical and analytical approach to interpreting research findings and understand how they can be used to inform and improve contemporary issues in police practice.

3. You will demonstrate knowledge of criminological study skills and research methods, particularly in the context of evidence-based police practice.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
4. You will understand the importance of ethically sound approaches to evidence-based policing and to the application of research findings into police practice.

How will I be assessed?

Summative Assessment (100%)
A 2,000-word essay drawn from a series of questions demonstrating analytical use of evidence-based policing concepts, problem-solving approaches, and ethical application of findings to cotemporary policing practice. (K&U 2, K&U 5; IPS 1; PVA 2)
Your essay will be marked by your module leader / seminar tutor, and you will receive written feedback on your answer.
You are expected to use Harvard style referencing, structure your work professionally, and follow the marking guide/criteria provided by the module.

Pre-requisite(s)

N/A

Co-requisite(s)

N/A

Module abstract

This module focuses upon evidence-based policing (EBP) and student learning is contextualised within an EBP framework. This allows you to understand and explore the concept of EBP, understand how EBP has been used to inform police practice, and appreciate how policing benefits from using best available evidence to inform policies and operational practice. You will gain insight into police orientated problem solving, related techniques and problem-solving toolkits.

Embedded within the module are mechanisms allowing you to develop the relevant study and research skills that will help you become effective in criminological writing and research. The key techniques you will learn include writing skills, producing essays, how to reference, and how to use a range of source material to inform academic work. Focus will also be on the development of critical and analytical approaches to reviewing literature, encouraging reflective practice, analysing and interpreting qualitative and quantitative research.

Course info

UCAS Code Z085

Credits 20

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 4 years Full Time

School Humanities and Social Sciences

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2027

Fee Information

Module Information

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