N8 PRP Annual Report 2019/20

POLICING RESEARCH PARTNERSHIP n8prp.org.uk

Contents Foreword by Andy Cooke...... 3

Director’s Introduction – Adam Crawford...... 4

Introducing the New Leadership Team: Academic Co-Director - Geoff Pearson...... 6 Policing Co-Director – Ngaire Waine...... 8

1 Partnerships and Evidence-Based Policing Policing and the N8 Research Partnership – Annette Bramley...... 10 In Conversation with Justin Partridge...... 12 In Conversation with ACC Chris Sykes...... 15 From Evidence-Based Policing to Practice – Andy Fielding...... 16 You Cannot Claim To Be Aspirational About The Future Whilst Clinging So Tightly To The Past – Rob Ewin...... 18 Fragile Alliances: Culture, Funding And Sustainability In Police-Academic Partnerships – Matt Bacon, Joanna Shapland, Layla Skinns and Adam White...... 20 Co-Production In Crisis? Shared Challenges For Policing And Academia – Liz Aston...... 22 Forty Years Of Conducting Research For, And With, The Police – Johannes Knutson...... 24

2 Data Analytics and Training Reflecting on the Role of Data Specialists in Policing – Fiona McLaughlin...... 26 Training and Learning: A Review – Jude Towers...... 28 Why the Programme for ‘Data Specialists in Policing’ is more important now than ever – Scott Keay...... 30 Practitioners’ Experience of the N8 ‘Empowering Data Specialists in Policing’ CPD Course – Andrew White...... 32 Practitioners’ Experience of the N8 ‘Empowering Data Specialists in Policing’ CPD Course – ‘Northern Analysis Group’.....34

3 Evaluation, Impact and the Small Grant Scheme First Four Years of the N8 PRP – Tiggey May, Richard Sen and Mike Hough...... 36 Police/Academic Perspectives on Evidence: Implications for Co-Production – Mike Rowe, Pam Davies, Donna Marie Brown and Paul Biddle...... 38 Unquantifiable Benefits: Some Notes On The Evaluation Of The Small Grants Programme – Geoff Page...... 40 Identifying Sexual Trafficking Online – Xavier L’Hoiry, Dr Alessandro Moretti and Georgios Antonopoulos...... 42 Policing Child-to-Parent Violence: Lessons from England and Wales – Sam Lewis, Ella Holdsworth and Jose Pina-Sánchez...... 44

4 Insights from Policing the Pandemic Police And Research Collaborations In A Covid-19 World – Gloria Laycock...... 46 COVID-19: Predicting Crime in a Pandemic World – Eric Halford...... 48 The N8 PRP’s Response to COVID-19...... 51

5 Innovation and Leadership Tackling Knife Crime from Existing Resources – Steve Brookes...... 52 Developing and Implementing a Violence Reduction Strategy – Rachael Staniforth...... 54 A Strategic Review of Policing – Rick Muir...... 56 Legitimacy, Leadership and Governance – Ian Shannon...... 58 Police Use Of Body Worn Cameras – Declan Falconer...... 60 Alcohol And Mental Health: Reducing Stigma And Harm In Uk Police Officers – Patricia Irizar...... 62

N8 PRP BY NUMBERS...... 65 1 n8prp.org.uk

Foreword am delighted to provide this foreword to the 2020 Annual Report, as the N8 Policing Research Partnership I moves to a new phase in its development with the establishment of a co-funding model with a shared directorship by academic and policing partners.

The world is changing faster than ever and so too is the landscape of crime and how we tackle it. Added to those challenges, is how the UK will look as we emerge from the ravages of the pandemic and what impact this will have on criminality and vulnerability. These challenges and complexities necessitate a nimble, effective and professional response and such skills are enhanced through partnerships like the N8 PRP. This has been evidenced in recent evaluations of the N8 Policing Research Partnership (including the Birkbeck College study reported here) which demonstrate how the partnership has helped to foster police innovations through research, enabled collaborations, provided skills training for analysts and fostered organisational learning across policing.

My own force has a vision to work as one team, putting its communities first and recognising that the effectiveness of policing will depend on the quality of our relationships with our communities. Partnerships, such as that with the N8 PRP, are instrumental to the effectiveness of our policing capability and this has been demonstrated in Merseyside through the Coercive Control research and evaluation funded by an N8 PRP small grant. In this the role of the N8 PRP was crucial as the principal facilitator of the collaboration between Lancaster University and Merseyside Police’s Evidence Based Practice Hub. The research provided a significant and crucial insight into our response to Domestic Abuse and Coercive Control, the results of which highlighted some vital organisational learning points and best practice. Consequently, a training package was developed, incorporating the results of the research, which was delivered to over 700 staff across the force and has since been embedded into the training programme for the long term.

I am very much looking forward to further collaborations through the N8 PRP and the benefits that such partnerships produce across UK law enforcement. I am delighted that one of my colleagues, Chief Superintendent Ngaire Waine will help provide the N8 PRP with leadership as the new Co-Director of the partnership.

Andy Cooke QPM Chief Constable Merseyside Police 2 3 n8prp.org.uk

on those people whose vulnerability dependent on much more than the pandemic. I have been impressed by derives from their precarious and coercive powers to enforce and punish the varied ways in which collaborations Director’s Introduction sometimes problematic relationship transgressions. It depends on the between researchers and front-line with the police as an institution; complex interplay between a diversity officers, as well as policing managers, t gives me considerable pleasure to introduce the fifth Annual those who due to their social of actors and agencies with differing have been mobilise so rapidly to assist Report of the N8 Policing Research Partnership (N8 PRP), my disadvantage, marginalisation or competencies and responsibilities, with unfolding challenges of policing. last as Director. Since we launched the nascent partnership deviant lifestyles are frequently the effective coordination of such I the subjects of police attention. relations or processes and (crucially) In this and other aspects of building in 2013, the collaboration has grown in scope, purpose and the self-policing and compliance by the N8 PRP, I look forward to reputation. The vision remains to build on and expand the While much of the work reported members of the public. In the case supporting Ngaire and Geoff and the investment in collaboration between academics and policing here was conducted across 2019, of COVID-19, this has reinforced the N8 PRP Steering Group as it navigates partners and to consolidate the activity into a recognised centre of inevitably our more recent focus has centrality of relationships between the next phase in the development excellence in policing research and innovation which will deliver been influenced by responses to the police and public health in protecting of the partnership and hopefully the vulnerable. The urgency of the new knowledge and evidence that impacts operational policing. COVID-19 pandemic, both in terms of secures its long-term sustainability. how the N8 PRP continues to operate in pandemic has challenged many public The achievements and benefits to the beneficial ways that serve our partners services to open up their traditionally different partners secured to date have To ensure the sustainability of the It is therefore with great pride and productively and the implications for siloed ways of working. This presents been varied and considerable. The partnership, in light of the end of pleasure that I pass on the leadership I will continue policing. In the light of government real opportunities for new ways of focus has been on building a secure the Catalyst Grant in 2020, which of the partnership to the incoming restrictions, we have had to reschedule joint working and the linking together partnership premised on mutual has underpinned the N8 PRP over co-Directors Chief Superintendent a number of planned events and of existing organisational datasets for understanding, respect and trust as the last 5 years, a business plan Ngaire Waine and Dr Geoff Pearson. to provide activities. Our international showcase research and innovation purposes. well as a shared vision of how data can for all partners to co-fund the core It is a great credit to the standing conference – initially organised for be mobilised, knowledge deployed activities, infrastructure and assets of the partnership that we have whatever June 2020 – has been postponed to Too often in recent years, the police and research applied to policing of the partnership from 2020/21 managed to secure the commitment 23/24th November, which we hope have come to be seen as a default policies and practices in ways that have was developed and agreed last year. and direction of two people with support I we will be in a position to host a public service of last resort for all beneficial outcomes for communities. In negotiating the agreement and clear ambition in driving forward the face-to-face event, with additional manner of problems and social ills. financial commitments from the partnership (see p.6-9). I will continue can in the remote accessibility. Similarly, the When other services ‘close’, ‘fail’ or On a personal note, I will continue eight universities and eleven police to provide whatever support I can in third cohort of the data analyst CPD are inadequate, policing is invariably to lead the delivery of the remaining forces and Offices of the PCCs, it the development of future plans to programme (which is covered from left to pick up the pieces both directly goals and outcomes associated with the new leadership team and look development was both gratifying and reassuring diverse angles in a number of articles – (i.e. mental health and social care) or the Catalyst Grant – which comes to hear the very positive feedback forward to the continued prosperity of future plans see p. 26-35), is being restructured and indirectly (i.e. education, housing and to a conclusion at the end of 2020. I from senior representatives of all of the partnership in safe hands. repurposed for current conditions. employment). As such, significant would like to thank our funding bodies the policing and university partners. interactional and spill-over effects at the Higher Education Funding Secondly, the body of work that the N8 Collectively, they highlighted the Looking back over the years, a number As Gloria Laycock notes in her structure policing’s relations with other Council for England (HEFCE) and PRP has developed around the broad diverse benefits that derive from the of things strike me about the way the contribution to this report (p. 46- public services; such that demands and subsequently the Office for Students (and somewhat contested) concept scale and ambition of the collaboration. partnership has developed; here, I 47), the policing of the COVID-19 changes in other services impact on (OfS), which assumed responsibility * of policing ‘vulnerabilities’ has been will highlight just a couple . First, the pandemic has presented new policing and what the police are called for managing the grant, and in truly impressive. In the research that The new funding model moves the commitment, energy and enthusiasm challenges and opportunities for police upon to respond to. Consequently, an particular Matt Jennings who has we have supported, vulnerability partnership from one which has been for collaboration that has been shown and partners. Policing the pandemic increasing range of social problems remained our contract manager has frequently been deployed in externally funded by a third party to a by many policing practitioners both at has highlighted acutely what Herman have become caste as ‘police problems’ throughout and provided support and ways that prompt us to rethink our co-funded model, with concomitant the front-line and in senior managerial Goldstein (who sadly passed away with insufficient critical assessment understanding, given the evolving understandings of how policing might co-leadership, shared administrative positions as well as researchers from earlier this year) noted many years of what problems the state is asking nature of our delivery plans. be focused, prioritised and delivered. It support / secretariat and collaborative diverse disciplines has taught me that ago, that ‘everything in policing is the police to solve and whether the has prompted a wider understanding governance structures. It is my firm intellectual curiosity and a thirst for inter-related, but also that what other police are really the best suited to solve of crime-related harms as multifaceted, belief that this new arrangement will knowledge to inform improvements sectors in society do or don’t do affects them, given their fairly limited set of relational and interdependent, whereby Adam Crawford, Director of provide greater direct investment and in practices and beneficial social policing’ profoundly. It has brought tools, competencies and capabilities. vulnerabilities sit along a continuum the N8 Policing Research ownership by the partners in ways that outcomes is to be found littered to the fore the manner in which and evolved across time. It has also Partnership (from 2013 will sharpen partner buy-in, improve across many parts of large public policing sits uncomfortably at the What is clear is that the research encouraged a focus on prevention until May 2020), Director of inter-organisational coordination and organisations. Nurturing this by intersection where conflicts between community has much to offer our and up-stream interventions, often the Leeds Social Sciences engagement and maximise benefits. giving it some lights and space to coercive government authority and policing partners in the co-production Institute and Professor at Moreover, the new model conforms breathe and grow, for me, has been embedding policing in complex freedom are played out. Ultimately, of new knowledge that learns from the University of Leeds. more closely to the aspirations and one of the most enduring successes relations with other service providers. public compliance with (either and can enhance future response to ideals of research co-production. of constructing the N8 PRP. Additionally, it has brought a focus mundane or extra-ordinary) rules is tumultuous events like the COVID-19

* A more extended discussion of some of the lessons and insights from the partnership is to be found in my contribution to in Nigel Fielding, Karen Bullock and Simon Holdaway’s recent edited collection Critical Reflections on Evidence-Based Policing (Routledge, 2020) entitled: ‘Effecting Change in 4 Policing Through Police/Academic Partnerships: The Challenges of (and for) Co-production’. 5 n8prp.org.uk

essential is that we continue Introducing the New to engage academics that Leadership Team have both the experience in, Geoff Pearson, Academic Co-Director and enthusiasm for, carrying am delighted to take up the role of academic co-Director of It is essential in this respect to also the N8 Policing Research Partnership (N8 PRP), having been retain and develop our links with out research in this area involved in the N8 PRP almost since its inception, primarily organisations such as the College of I Policing and the UK Home Office. through my previous role organising the annual Innovation Forum. I also have hopes for how we can make Since those early days, N8 PRP has although obviously the timing of the sure that N8 PRP opportunities and developed a firm foundation and is delivery of some of these has been research reaches out across institutions well-positioned to continue its work severely affected by the Covid-19 crisis. driving forward cutting-edge research, We are also pleased to have appointed and delivers increased impact. Rather knowledge-exchange and evidence- Chief Superintendent Ngaire Waine than just focusing on the traditional based policing across the North of from Merseyside Police as the N8 PRP disciplinary homes for studies of, and England and beyond. It is important Policing co-Director. This position will with, the police (criminology, sociology to recognise that this has only been further enable the forces to drive the social-psychology, and law), we need possible due to initial funding from N8 PRP in a direction that best suits to ensure that institutional leads are the Police Innovation Fund grant, the demands and requirements of the able to engage with colleagues who the five-year HEFCE (now Office for police service and improves knowledge have expertise to share with forces Students) Catalyst Grant, and match- exchange across the 11 Northern forces. across disciplines and faculties. We funding from the N8 Universities and also want to provide additional 11 northern police forces. Our progress Beyond the immediate challenges assistance for those who have been to date has also been testament to of developing research in the age of successful in small grant applications, the work of our Advisory Board and Covid-19 restrictions, the key priority in particular supporting grant holders Steering Group members, institutional for N8 PRP is to secure funding for to pursue larger follow-on funding leads, police force SPOCs, and of its medium – to long-term future. and increasing and evidencing the course our former Director Professor First, we need to move to a position practical impact of their research. Adam Crawford, who will continue to where the partnership is funded over Afterall, both academic and policing oversee the delivery of the outstanding a number of years without needing to partners in N8 PRP share the aim of elements of the Catalyst programme. revisit its support on an annual basis. This may require a modest baseline developing, changing, and improving In 2020, we move into the second foundation from which we are in a police policy. Delivering a stable, stage of N8 PRP. The partnership good position to bid for external grants vibrant, and impactful partnership will be funded exclusively by the for innovative research grants, research between academia and the police N8 Institutions (the Universities of centre grants, and knowledge- service will have wide-ranging benefits Durham, Lancaster, Leeds, Liverpool, exchange projects. Key to securing not only across the North of England Manchester, Newcastle, Sheffield and longer-term funding is ensuring that but nationally and internationally, York) and 11 northern police forces we continue to deliver the best value for particularly in such uncertain times. (Cheshire, Cumbria, Durham, GMP, both the N8 institutions and the police Humberside, Lancashire, Merseyside, forces that we can. Also essential is North Yorkshire, Northumbria, South that we continue to engage academics Yorkshire, West Yorkshire). The key that have both the experience in, and Dr Geoff Pearson is N8 PRP elements of the N8 PRP will remain enthusiasm for, carrying out research Academic Co-Director and Senior Lecturer at the University under this new model, the Police in this area, and police practitioners of Manchester Law School. Innovation Forum, the Small Grants, KE who are in a position to champion N8 Internships, and Data Analytics Service, PRP and effect evidence-led change. 6 7 n8prp.org.uk

I look forward to Introducing the New working alongside Leadership Team police forces and Ngaire Waine, Policing Co-Director Dr Geoff Pearson to am thrilled to become the first Police Co-Director of the N8 I then became a temporary Assistant PRP. I joined Merseyside Police in 1994 and I have been in Chief Officer in Merseyside Police, increase the amount of just as the force had been awarded predominantly uniform roles with Merseyside ever since, I transformation funding for a knowledge exchange apart from a short attachment to Cheshire Constabulary as an partnership with Liverpool John Assistant Chief Officer. I head up the Criminal Justice Department Moore’s University to train officers that is taking place in Merseyside, which is a diverse department incorporating in evidence-based policing. All the the Coroners Department, the Safer Roads Unit, the PNC officers would complete a research between universities bureau and Disclosure and Barring as well as what would be project. I now had the opportunity to set up a governance process for more commonly perceived as criminal justice such as Custody evidence based policing within and the forces within and ID units, Evidence and Records, and the Prosecutions Merseyside Police ensuring that unit. I was born in New Zealand, hence the strange spelling the projects the officers completed the partnership to my Maori name, I grew up in Norwich and then came would address priorities in the force to Liverpool University where I did a BSc. and subsequently and would add to knowledge and perhaps affect practice in those my MSc. in maths. I taught in Kenya for a year before finally areas. This proved to be harder settling down in policing. I have been married for 20 years than it sounds, but it was a start. and I have one 13 year old son, who isn’t enjoying lockdown. When I saw the Policing Co-Director In my time as a Chief Superintendent providing new insights into police role advertised, I was immediately I’ve been responsible for a Basic practice and when I started to hear drawn to a key aim of the N8 PRP: Command Unit in Liverpool; the Call about evidence led policing I attended ‘To enhance the impact of higher Centre and Crime Management Unit a number of conferences organised by education research in the policing where I amalgamated six call centres the Society of Evidence-Based Policing, sector through the development and into one and my most challenging bringing back to the force information testing of mechanisms of knowledge role, oversight of a force restructure about studies that were presented. exchange to strengthen the evidence that resulted in Merseyside moving base on which police policy, practice from a geographic to a functional The conferences inspired me to and training are developed and model for delivery of service. try my own randomised control so support innovation and the trial in the call centre. I had seen a professionalization of the police. ‘ In 2006, I completed an MBA successful model of designated crime by distance learning at Bradford call handlers in a control room of I look forward to working alongside University, my management project another force and I wanted to evaluate police forces and Dr Geoff Pearson to of a few enthusiasts to being part ensuring police partners articulate was called ‘Closing the Gap – Setting the impact this model would have increase the amount of knowledge of the organisational culture of current priorities, I will endeavour to Ngaire Waine is Chief standards to achieve policing quality’. in my call centre. One team was to exchange that is taking place between policing, building on the considerable communicate the activity of the N8 Superintendent with It examined performance measures identify two call handlers who would universities and the forces within developments that have already taken PRP and the impact that has had on Merseyside Police where she and the concept of success in terms take low level crime calls. When the the partnership. I intend to work with place nationally and through the policing to enable me, with others, to is Head of Criminal Justice. of public expectations. At the time it other teams saw that the concept police SPOC’s to find ways to increase N8 PRP. This means I’ll be working deliver a sustainable funding model had limited influence on measures of might work they all put it in place, engagement in co-production both with all partners to ensure research for continued N8 PRP activity. performance in Merseyside due to the intermittently, and I could never really between police forces and police is innovative, impactive and focused lack of any structure to use evidence evaluate it. I recognised that far more and academics. I’m looking at ways on current policing challenges and to inform practice. However, it whetted thought needed to have been put to support forces to move evidence priorities and that the evidence is my appetite for academic research into the methodology of the trial. based policing from a niche domain influencing practice. Alongside 8 9 Partnerships and Evidence-Based Policing n8prp.org.uk

Thinking about the numerous strands of activity that the partnership has undertaken over the past five years, I am impressed by the sheer breadth and variety Policing and the N8 of work that has been undertaken Research Partnership Annette Bramley

he aspiration of the N8 Policing Research Partnership Although it has not always been have been addressed are significant Looking to the future, the partnership excellence, delivering benefits to (N8 PRP) is to work with policing partners to transform straightforward, a commitment on and timely, including cybercrime, has agreed an exciting vision for the economy and communities in both sides to the co-production of domestic abuse and mental health. I the next phase of its development, the way research evidence is co-produced and used. the North of England and beyond. T research and to the values of the have also been delighted to see the based on deepening and extending N8 PRP embodies this vision. It has Over the five year HEFCE Catalyst funded programme, N8 partnership has enabled significant partnership adopt and evolve the the co-production ethos. This will grown over the last 7 years into a PRP has achieved this by harnessing skills, capabilities and strides to be made, with clear benefits annual Policing Innovation Forum. be supported by a move to a model highly successful example of joint resources from universities, police forces and others across for both sides. The police now have The most recent event – which took of co-governance and co-financing working across the North of England the North to deliver at a scale and with real impact. The access to a significant concentration place in Liverpool in November 2019 between the university and policing and beyond. I wish everyone involved testimonies and case studies brought together in this report of research and expertise to support – exemplified the power of the forum partners, including a co-leadership with N8 PRP every success with their the development of evidence-based approach and the ethos of the N8 as a structure. I am delighted that Dr Geoff future collaborative endeavours. are themselves evidence of the importance of this type of policing, and researchers have the whole. It brought together academics, Pearson has been appointed as the new collaborative funding to develop new relationships that can help opportunity to apply their work and police and a range of inspiring Academic Co-Director, following on us address challenges of social and technological change. better get to grips with the challenges community organisations all seeking from his successful stewardship of the of doing so in the real world. It is clear to tackle the problem of knife crime Innovation Forum strand alongside Dr Annette Bramley is the What these case studies and the right structures to enable successful from what our policing colleagues from a public health perspective. his University of Manchester colleague Director of the N8 Research measurable impacts cannot capture, collaboration. The independent tell us that moving to evidence-based and current Deputy Director, Dr Steve Partnership, a collaboration however, is the immense amount of evaluation of the programme, policing still involves overcoming a It would be impossible to talk about Brookes. I am also immensely pleased of the eight most research social capital and other intangible undertaken recently by Birkbeck number of hurdles, but that N8 PRP the achievements of N8 PRP without that the partnership will benefit from intensive universities in the benefits that have been generated by College , identified the establishment has contributed to creating a positive mentioning the leadership of the the dedicated leadership that Chief North of England. The N8 this programme. How can the value of of an organisational infrastructure for attitude towards its adoption. outgoing Director, Professor Adam Superintendent Ngaire Waine will bring PRP forms part of its portfolio the increased levels of trust between N8 PRP as a significant achievement, Crawford. Adam has steered the as the incoming Policing Co-Director. of research programmes. the policing partners and the academic pulling together the whole of the North Thinking about the numerous strands partnership successfully to its current I know that Geoff and Ngaire are researchers possibly be measured? for the first time to focus on helping of activity that the partnership has position and, along with colleagues both excited about the challenges of Developing this trust was essential for to address the problems of policing undertaken over the past five years, I from each of the eight universities, leading the partnership and charting the success of the collaboration, and in the 21st century. As we deal with am impressed by the sheer breadth the 11 police forces / PCCs and others, a course for its future direction. the collaboration could only proceed another new demand on our policing and variety of work that has been has laid a strong foundation for the at the speed that trust was built. partners, the global pandemic of undertaken; from the extremely next stage of its evolution. I would The vision of the N8 Research Covid-19, the ability to mobilise, gather popular small grants scheme, to data therefore like to take this opportunity Partnership as a whole is to be an A key success factor for N8 PRP was to evidence and apply our learning at sharing and analytics, staff exchanges to thank him for his dedication exceptionally effective cluster of focus on taking the time and building scale could not be more timely. and PhD studentships. The themes that and vision over the past 7 years. research, innovation and training 10 11 Partnerships and Evidence-Based Policing n8prp.org.uk

In Conversation: I think there has been Justin Partridge a gradual shift in the

ustin Partridge has been a long-standing member of the from a patchwork of sources, and understanding of N8 PRP Steering Group and played an important role in the staffed by those who are passionate about the topic, and we could always the importance that supporting diverse initiatives including the development J do more. I am personally encouraged of the Data Analytics CPD programme and the Data Analytics by wider initiatives such as the degree research can play in Strand more generally. Here, Justin reflects on his involvement entry scheme for police officers, as I with the N8 PRP across the duration of the Catalyst Grant, drawing think formal recognition of the level of improving policing in upon both his work with the North East Region collaboration training that police officers already do together with a better understanding the last decade or so of seven police forces and his role within Humberside Police. of the value of academic disciplines in policing will further drive the What were your main conversations and sharing of changes across UK police forces. motivations for initially wanting knowledge in this as well as formal to work with the N8 PRP? training events. Other benefits include At present, what do you see as A police force is a complex, specific research that has made an the biggest challenge facing multidisciplinary organisation, impact on how forces do business, policing, and what role do generating and using huge amounts of access to research skills and support you see research partnerships data to deliver the services it provides to where forces were trying to develop playing in tackling the issue? communities. Despite lots of policing solutions themselves from scratch. There are many challenges in policing, research in areas such as criminology On a personal level, I have made which are ever changing. If I had and law (as well as research into some great like-minded contacts to pick a few, I might include the culture, organisation, systems IT and from universities and other police changing nature of the profession of many other areas that are also relevant forces, developed my own formal and policing itself (degree entry schemes, to policing) there seemed to be little informal learning and commissioned the need to better represent society as a connection between the academic research into issues that directly whole, changes to career patterns), the and the operational. The N8 PRP was affected my area of business. changing nature of criminality (a move designed to address this gap, using to online crimes or online investigation co-commissioned research and Have attitudes towards the opportunities for traditional crimes, jointly identified priorities to ensure importance of research increasingly cross border crimes) and that where there was an evidence gap in policing changed over the changing nature of organisations research could be commissioned, and the last few years? (the rise of home working, new where research was commissioned it I think there has been a gradual shift in technologies, exponential increases could be used to improve operational the understanding of the importance in data, cultural changes and more). practice. This joint approach allows that research can play in improving Each of these areas could easily provide both sides to learn from each other. policing in the last decade or so. Back multiple PhD theses, and if scoped in 2010, I was involved in conversations out jointly with police forces could From a policing perspective, at a national level about the need for improve how we deliver services to what would you say have more evidence informed approaches the public and keep people safe. agenda be more widely discussed been the benefits from to policing, and the establishment of at the highest levels of policing – at working collaboratively with the N8 PRP and similar groups across Justin Partridge is Assistant What are your hopes the National Police Chiefs’ Council, academics as part of the N8 the country, plus relationships with and aspirations for the Chief Officer for the Regional the Association of Police and Crime PRP over the last 5 years? local universities has all helped to future of the N8 PRP? Collaboration, North East Region and has been for a There are many benefits. Some drive understanding of where and Firstly, to continue for another five Commissioners and at chief officer number of years the Humberside are personal, such as development how research can help policing (and years, and continue to develop the level within individual forces – in order Police representative on the opportunities for staff from both vice versa). I do think there is still a high quality research that has been to ensure that police and academics are N8 PRP Steering Group. forces and academia; and I include long way to go, however. Proper joint the mark of the last five. I would also researching the topics that really matter the many opportunities for informal research into policing is often funded like to see the whole policing research and can make the greatest difference. 12 13 Partnerships and Evidence-Based Policing n8prp.org.uk

In Conversation Chris Sykes

n his capacity as Assistant Chief Constable of Greater can learn from and develop, such as Manchester Police responsible for Local Policing Delivery and more innovative ways of working the Information Services Transformation Programme, Chris and delivering services to ensure we I make the best use of our resources and Sykes has been a keen observer of the N8 PRP, its activities and technology. Research partnerships work. Here, Chris reflects on his views of the benefits of the N8 PRP have a crucial role to play in this – for GMP and its contribution to fostering evidence-based policing. particularly in terms of helping us make the best use of research, data and What were your main and practices to explore the challenges information to understand, manage motivations for initially wanting associated with investigating and and predict demand and deliver better to work with the N8 PRP? prosecuting offences surrounding outcomes for the public we serve. Over the past few years, Greater the use of cryptocurrency. The Manchester Police (GMP) has worked annual Innovation Forum as well as What are your hopes hard to develop an evidence-based other N8 PRP events have provided and aspirations for the practice approach. We have built up useful and thought-provoking future of the N8 PRP? a network of over 80 evidence-based networking opportunities. As the N8 PRP moves to a co-funded champions across the force and model, I welcome the appointment established a Research Hub at the Have attitudes towards the of a Policing Co-Director, and hope centre to coordinate activity. However, importance of research that this will strengthen the links at an early stage, we recognised that in policing changed over between policing partners and ensure so much more could be achieved the last few years? that the partnership continues to through working in partnership with Most definitely, there is no doubt that identify research around critical others, and the benefits that such there is a greater recognition and policing demands and threats. I hope partnerships can bring to both police understanding of the importance of that the partnership continues to forces and academics. Naturally, we policing research, and the benefits support forces in further building were therefore very keen to be involved of working with independent evidence based policing capability in a new collaboration of police forces academics who provide new insights and practice, as well as contributing and universities stretching across and expertise. However, we still have to the evidence base within policing the whole of northern England. further work to do in embedding this at a national level. Too often, research approach across the police service to findings gather dust or sit on a computer system. Police forces and From a policing perspective, ensure that research and evidence are universities have a joint responsibility what would you say have central to all the decisions we take. to ensure that research findings add Most definitely, there is no doubt been the benefits from value and are put into practice. working collaboratively with At present, what do you see as that there is a greater recognition academics as part of the N8 the biggest challenge facing PRP over the last 5 years? policing, and what role do and understanding of the importance One of the main benefits to us has you see research partnerships Chris Sykes is Assistant been access to the Empowering playing in tackling the issue? Chief Constable with Greater of policing research, and the benefits Data Specialists in Policing course As I write this, we are currently in Manchester Police where he for analysts, which a number of GMP the grip of a pandemic which has has worked for the last 23 years. of working with independent staff have now completed. We also presented us with many operational He has lead responsibility received N8 PRP Small Grant funding and organisational challenges and for Local Policing Delivery academics who provide new to undertake research into policing increased demand for policing and iOPS Futures, the GMP integrated computer system. bitcoin, which brought together services. Some of these challenges insights and expertise experts from a variety of disciplines present real opportunities which we 14 15 Partnerships and Evidence-Based Policing n8prp.org.uk

The key to the success of this research was not only the collaborative working, brought From Evidence-Based Policing about by the will to Practice: A case study of a and organisation of Merseyside partnership between Merseyside Police to learn Police and Lancaster University in an evidenced supported by the N8 PRP based way This research produced results that delivered not only in a truly evidenced initial findings. The number of Andrew Fielding gave Merseyside Police an opportunity based way but specifically using cases recorded as coercive control to further understand their responses feedback from victims and officers significantly increased after the Merseyside Police knowledge hub In October 2019 Merseyside Police In 2018, the results of this research to coercive control. As well as this within the Merseyside community. training for the treatment group In 2017 Merseyside Police set up its hosted an EBP event, supported by were produced and the findings proved and a key element to the partnership, (i.e. those who had completed the innovative Evidence-Based Policing the N8 PRP, which showcased both of real value to the force. The highlights the researchers produced a learning The initial results of the evaluation training). The volume of officers (EBP) Knowledge Hub forming part internal and external studies and were that the research quantitatively tool that Merseyside Police could have been extremely positive. who recorded a crime as coercive of the Performance Analytics and allowed staff from across the force to analysed Merseyside Police’s domestic use, which incorporated a multitude Attendees were asked to score control trebled compared to before Evaluation (PAE) Team within the hear innovative work being done with abuse data from January 2016-June of evidence, such as victim stories, on a scale of 1-10 the following they completed the training. Arrest Corporate Support Department. the event proving a huge success. 2017 and qualitatively analysed all Police officer input and the figures questions on feedback sheets: rates for CC increased from 14%, pre Following some extensive research coercive control cases (156) and a training to 28% for the treatment group. from the research and originally n What was your knowledge within the force, a growing relationship Case study N8 PRP research: sample of domestic assault cases designed with help from woman’s aid. of coercive control before with academic partners and a In 2016 as part of a successful N8 that caused actual bodily harm Coercive Control training has now national thirst for using an evidence the vulnerability training? PRP Catalyst grant scheme, Lancaster (102) over the same time period. In 2018, a team of officers and staff already been included in Merseyside based approach, the hub set out Average: 5.1 (out of 10) University headed by Charlotte Barlow Other key findings include: from across Merseyside Police worked Police 2020/21 training schedule and objectives to facilitate the growing and Kelly Johnson began research in n What was your knowledge of the full results of the evaluation will be n Of the 18,289 domestic abuse to shape this learning tool into a use of EBP by creating governance partnership with Merseyside Police, coercive control after completing training package for officers/staff in available within the next few weeks to its already widening use. This who provided access to thousands related crimes recorded by the vulnerability training? force. Focus groups and meetings (delayed due to sickness and Covid-19). allowed the force to work closer with of domestic abuse (DA) records. The Merseyside Police over the 18 Average: 8.9 (out of 10) were held to ensure the content researchers (internal or external) study was to determine the impact month time period, only 156 was sufficient, using the evidence n How confident were you This project has undoubtedly been a ensuring that any evidence arising the investigation of DA cases had on of these were listed as S.76 from the research. At the same time responding to a coercive control huge positive for not only Merseyside from research addressed force risk, the victims and to identify gaps in the coercive control offences. the force recognised the need for case before the training session? Police and the researcher’s involved, current force issues whilst ensuring process to better support the victim n Coercive control cases were less unified vulnerability training. Average: 5.2 (out of 10) and provides further proof that policing its relevance to policing in general. and assist investigations. The research likely to result in an arrest and be research is hugely beneficial in a n How confident were you used a both qualitative and quantitative charged comparative to ABH. variety of ways. The use of evidenced approach, by assessing such records In 2019, a two-day learning package, responding to a coercive Since the introduction of a structured n Officers struggled to demonstrate based research is increasing and with EBP Hub, several Police officers, whilst also speaking to staff and victims. encompassing Coercive Control and control case after the training experiences of sustained, the help of projects and partnerships support staff of differing ranks/ vulnerability was produced and after session? 8.9 (out of 10) patterned abuse within victim like the N8 Merseyside Police continue grades and various departments The key to the success of this research further discussion it was agreed that statements in particular. Officers to develop ways of integrating have completed research to assist in was not only the collaborative Lancaster University would evaluate From a series of focus groups; 92% felt this approach across the force. tended to investigate isolated solving crime, addressing vulnerability working, brought about by the will the programme on an initial 6 month that they had a better understanding ‘incidents’ rather than effectively and ultimately shaping policies by and organisation of Merseyside basis. The training package started in of what to do in a coercive control capturing a web of abuse connecting evidence to experience(s). Police to learn in an evidenced based April and uniquely involved a mix of case and 89% stating they better The force now hold a repository way. This two way communication n Evidential opportunities were staff, 20 at a time from investigations, understood about signs to look Andrew Fielding is a Police of some 150 research documents, meant that the objective, to improve sometimes not capitalised control room and emergency response. for in victims and perpetrators. Sergeant with Merseyside reports and theses completed by staff Polices and understanding of coercive upon by officers, such as third Police. Contact: EBP.Knowledge. [email protected] within Merseyside, readily available control to improve the care for victims party witness statements, The training was completed in October Some analysis of the data has also on a bespoke EBP intranet page. of domestic abuse where met. physical or digital evidence. 2019, reaching nearly 100 staff and been completed showing positive 16 17 Partnerships and Evidence-Based Policing n8prp.org.uk

This may seem You Cannot Claim To Be blue-sky but being Aspirational About The Future productive and Whilst Clinging So Tightly To The working ethically are inextricably Past – Valuing Those Who Value Us linked and being Rob Ewin mindless umbria is a unique place to live, police, and foster within the competing demands on partnerships. Its geography makes it sparsely populated front-line supervisors to evidentially review domestic case-work. We held in some areas, and travel distances to remote stations C high conviction rates but some cases can create additional challenges. This is especially the case were screened out too early. Through for their vital work. This may not mean is a good thing and we have been This may seem blue-sky but being during adverse weather events where response times can be a research inspired pilot we tested changes but being research informed able to draw upon the support of our productive and working ethically are increased. The county also has a large tourism influx during the the use of one-to-one coaching can underpin working practices. academic colleagues to help critically inextricably linked and being mindless summer months, and a number of events and festivals take place with sergeants. This was to embed analyse our data and problematic to alternative aspects to situations with contribute to a transient but vibrant community. Like any an evidence-led approach using the One of the other values in being a areas of work. At each stage there has can leave elements of the workforce latest research. In isolating this to a been a focus on the front-line, and modern policing organisation, Cumbria Constabulary invites research-informed organisation is somewhat stagnant in development. number of key individuals we were the prospect of being able to steer to enhance this our researchers have We involve and ‘broker’ research to and encourages research collaboration and opportunity and able to make the work more focussed. and contribute to research. Academic been speaking with officers during the front-line and in any experiment is a fully-engaged partner in the N8 PRP. We are becoming a Domestic case-load was diverted to organisations like the N8 universities day, night and weekend shifts to make we do not try to predict the outcome technologically advanced policing service with the delivery of these key decision makers and over the are rich in people with key experienced the research accessible to them. Our with traditional policing focus. Instead, various technology projects which help bridge challenges offered course of the three months the number analytical skills. They also offer a great research is mostly mixed method we introduce the experimental phase of cases referred for prosecution design. Thus far, we have not explicitly by rurality. In recent years, we have held a close relationship with source of inspirational young people as necessary to try and plot ideas increased, the number screened out who are keen to learn and want to test relied upon the tradition or notion of and create learning. To this end, we the University of Cumbria. Many of its graduates work within without further action decreased, case their skills on data. We have hosted evidence-based policing to understand hold dearly the learning from any our teams, and many of our senior leaders participate within quality increased, and overall service both law and psychology student what opportunities can come for mistakes and findings, but accept that the maters programme. We also have staff working towards a quality improved. At a similar time we learning experiences where they have police-researcher collaborations. clinging to this too tightly inhibits our PhD and a wider number increasingly benefit from the College conducted research in partnership with been able to gain an insight into our overall aspirational values in doing the University of Central Lancashire of Policing Bursary Scheme. These activities are encouraged at work. In turn, some have used our In more recent activity, we have been this work. We know that academia to understand key trends in risk. The data to construct their own research at working on more abstract concepts, has a lot to offer policing, and we a senior and local level to foster and embed research-informed key aspect of this, in research and undergraduate and master’s level. In such as: productivity, ethics and values, know that policing has a lot to offer activity. In Cumbria, we host a wide number of research- policing terms, is to value the role of recognising this as a distinct value we and the psychology of mindlessness in academia. Budgetary challenges informed professional development opportunities, including: the ‘research-broker’. It is recognised want to promote future generations higher volume working environments make much of this work an ‘in-kind’ Research inspired CPD Events, an electronic Research Hub that academic work can sometimes to become involved within our around disclosure principles. This collaboration and, whilst successful group, Lunchtime lectures from visiting academics, research offer a language and contextual barrier organisation. Some students have work might appear more abstract to in some funding, we hold value in to front-line policing. To think of also become vetted to work with more the front-line, or too academically the kindness and opportunity that is designed events for key specialisms (i.e. research analysts, roads research only at a strategic policy level sensitive data and have been able to focussed. However, these ideas have a offered in our staff having exposure policing, and vulnerability) and strength-based coaching. detracts from the central value that the contribute to our research projects with policy and strategic value with hopeful to evidence-led work, technology research may have for practitioners partner universities including N8 PRP outcomes being improved front-line and shared front-line partnerships. In Cumbria we also encourage To this end, the N8 PRP’s broad priority on the ground. The ‘research-broker’ supported research, such as: University efficiency. In a current pilot around experimental and discovery research theme of ‘vulnerabilities’ has been acts as both translator and advisor of Cumbria, Lancaster University, the supervisory productivity in a serious around: Domestic Abuse, Child particularly well received and connects but we have found that creating University of Leeds, Northumbria volume crime environment, we foster Rob Ewin is Detective Sergeant Sexual Exploitation, Ethics, Digital well with our own work. Within a opportunities for people to understand University and the University of the idea of mindlessness, solvability with Cumbria Police Infrastructure, County Lines and recent project around Domestic Abuse, research means that we equip staff to Central Lancashire. It is recognised and crime harm indexes to attempt contextual approaches to safeguarding. we recognised the challenges faced recognise alternative evidence-bases that partnerships within research to understand ‘investigative-labour’. 18 19 Partnerships and Evidence-Based Policing n8prp.org.uk

foreseeable future, these partnerships for police–academic partnerships. can be more prepared for those can, we suspect, only be fragile They instead revolve around the more important moments when culture, Moving Forward With Police- alliances. Cultural differences, pragmatic and immediate process funding and elite interests do line up. unreliable funding streams, and of maintaining inter-institutional difficulties in sustaining individual and relationships during those periods While these pragmatic measures may Academic Partnerships institutional relationships across the when the obstacles relating to help police-academic partnerships professional divide are likely to haunt culture, funding and sustainability keep going during difficult periods, Matthew Bacon, Joanna Shapland, Layla Skinns and Adam White attempts at partnership working. This are all in play. They include: is especially the case for collaborative we want to end by emphasising that (1) maintaining a small number of Enforcement Training (CEPOL), the endeavours that involve both sets a degree of fragility is by no means a olice–academic partnerships have developed significantly in personnel in each organisation Stockholm Criminology Conference, of actors in all stages of the research bad thing because it helps to protect scope and size over the past decade or so, spurred on by the who take responsibility for and two international conferences process, from formulating the problem, expansion of the evidence-based policing movement, the responding to requests for research; the integrity of the two professions. P at the University of Sheffield. It also to designing the data collection Cultural differences need to exist so as increasing value attached to impactful research in the academy, (2) tasking a small number of facilitated two field trips: the first, strategy, to disseminating the results. to prevent the blurring of occupational the ascendance of the professionalisation agenda in the police, to the Oregon Center for Policing personnel in each organisation boundaries. If research does become Excellence and the Criminal Justice We do not, however, make these with communicating a profile of and the growing necessity of cross-sectoral collaborations too closely tied to the organisational under conditions of post-financial crisis austerity. This trend – Policy Research Institute at Portland comments to diminish the significance new research and findings to senior State University; and the second, to staff and frontline practitioners; interests of the police it runs the risk of largely confined to a select few countries in the Global North, in of police– academic partnerships. universities and police agencies We believe they have a positive (3) bringing together key individuals at losing its critical edge and becoming particular Australia, Belgium, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, the in Norway and Sweden. We used contribution to make to the policing regular intervals to exchange ideas; preoccupied with ‘what works’ rather UK and the US – has given rise to a burgeoning literature in the these events and visits to question than ‘what matters’ in policing. landscape, especially under conditions (4) scoping new opportunities and corroborate our search results. discipline of criminology which is concerned with charting the of austerity where the police are being for acquiring resources to progress of these partnerships and setting out the ideal conditions asked to do more with less. Moreover, undertake research; and for their future expansion. But making police-academic We recognise that police–academic as we write, the ongoing coronavirus partnerships have certainly come a pandemic brings into sharp relief the (5) committing to implement Dr Matthew Bacon is a Lecturer partnerships function effectively can be difficult, even elusive. long way and have the capacity to importance of research-informed those initiatives which research in Criminology, Dr Joanna make important contributions to decision making and the need to come and evaluation have shown to Shapland is Edward Bramley In a recent article published in the academic partnerships with insights police work. From isolated initiatives together and cooperate for the public be beneficial, even if they are Professor of Criminal Justice, journal Evidence & Policy, ‘Fragile from elsewhere in the social sciences and a climate of mutual suspicion, good. For this reason, we do want no longer the highest priority Dr Layla Skinns is Reader in Criminology and Dr Adam alliances: culture, funding and and observations from our experience there has been a considerable growth to offer some suggestions from our to senior management. White is Senior Lecturer in sustainability in police-academic of running the International Strand of in research for and with the police. research as to how partnerships can be Criminology. They are all in the partnerships’, we advance a the N8 Policing Research Partnership. However, we argue that the optimism nurtured moving forward. In keeping These suggestions thus involve School of Law at the University sympathetic critique of this literature, Between 2015 and 2018, the Strand about the development of police– with the cautious outlook of our article, achievable measures for smoothing of Sheffield and comprised the adding a note of caution to its largely organised panels and workshops on academic partnerships needs to be these suggestions are not based on over the rough patches when there team leading the International optimistic outlook. Our methodology police–academic partnerships at the cut with a healthy dose of caution. wishful thinking. They do not involve, is cultural dissonance, funding is Strand of the N8 PRP. combined a narrative review of the American Society of Criminology, There should be more appreciation for instance, legislative changes to sparse and key personnel are moving international literature on police– the European Union Agency for Law of the complications involved. In the create a statutory basis and budget on. In this way, police and academics We recognise that police–academic partnerships have certainly come a long way and have the capacity to make important contributions to police work

20 21 Partnerships and Evidence-Based Policing n8prp.org.uk

policing research partnerships may an increasingly pressured financial be able to build on existing links to situation it is important not to move COVID-19 Co-Production In Crisis? facilitate online discussions on research into siloed working and withdraw gaps and engage in co-production. collaboration at a time when it is has caused a most needed. Indeed austerity can Shared Challenges For Diversity: Policing research result in assistance with knowledge huge societal partnerships are well placed to consider production being seen as being global responses to police violence, mutually attractive (Crawford 2020). shift and Policing And Academia racism, and implications such as Coming together to share information, calls to ‘de-fund’ the police. When evidence and shape policy and practice Liz Aston it comes to increasing diversity and becomes increasingly important, but impacted actively being anti-racist, again shared partnerships may be on shaky ground Co-production in policing COVID-19 has caused a huge societal What are some of the challenges challenges are faced in policing and financially. Drawing on their work everyone and its challenges shift and impacted everyone in many we are currently facing? academia. It also raises a question for the International Strand of the N8 In a similar vein to other policing As a policing researcher I am often different ways: from concerns about regarding what role policing research PRP (and summarised in this Report, in many research partnerships – like the Scottish struck by the fact that as academics p. 20-21), Bacon, Shapland, Skinns and our health and the wellbeing of others, partnerships have. Particularly if the Institute for Policing Research (SIPR) – we spend time analysing policing White (2020) have discussed how these to juggling caring responsibilities mission includes public engagement, the N8PRP aims to foster high quality and making recommendations alliances are ‘fragile’. However, this may different for example. The police have been in addition to increasing research independent research and facilitate for improvements to policy and be a positive in terms of maintaining under pressure given their role in capacity, fostering knowledge exchange research-based contributions to policing practice, but when we actually take independence and a healthy critical ways: from enforcing emergency public health and evidence informed policy and policy and practice. Furthermore, the a good look at own institutions distance which would arguably be legislation. One of my first thoughts practice, is there also an expectation N8PRP admirably includes facilitating we realise that we share similar difficult to sustain if true co-production concerns as SIPR Director was ‘how can we of speaking out on key societal public debate as an aim, and overtly challenges – and academia does were reached. Furthermore, societal best support police during the current challenges and being ‘scientifically’- aspires towards co-production. Indeed not have all the answers. Here I challenges may provide opportunities crisis?’ However, it is also an important led? This poses a challenge as about our the ‘small grants’ scheme has delivered briefly consider the role of policing to reflect on and push for change in the time for academics to provide scrutiny science is neither neutral, objective co-production by funding teams of research partnerships in the context criminal justice system. It would be a of expanded police powers. So how nor ‘a-political’. Perhaps we have a health and academics and practitioners to work of some recent societal challenges. shame to let a good crisis go to waste. can policing research partnerships duty to acknowledge that knowledge together to develop policing research best facilitate both constructive and is socially and culturally produced the wellbeing and knowledge. That said, challenges Physical distancing: Policing critical input on key policing issues? when we share evidence. We should to both meaningful public engagement organisations have increasingly been also collectively consider new steps to Dr Liz Aston is Director of the and co-production have been identified dealing with matters remotely via of others On the most basic level perhaps challenge systemic racism and improve Scottish Institute for Policing (Crawford, 2020), such as timescales telephone, or encouraging online ‘support’ could involve removing BAME diversity in policing, academia Research (SIPR) and Associate and perceptions from policing partners reporting. However, we do not know non-essential requests to policing and policing research partnerships. Professor of Criminology at of the partnership being academically enough about the impact of increasingly organisations related to data collection, Edinburgh Napier University. driven. As Martin and Wooff (2018) technologically-mediated contact (Wells knowledge exchange and impact. It She is a member of the N8 argue the reality of these partnerships, et al. 2020) on police legitimacy. In a Austerity: The resultant financial can also involve drawing together rapid PRP Advisory Board. at least in Scotland, is closer to similar vein academics are increasingly crisis will impact further on public collaboration than co-production. research evidence reviews on topics teaching and supporting students services, police and universities. In of relevance to policing pandemics online and we expect to continue to do Coronavirus: what role (e.g. Collier et al., 2020). This may also so for the foreseeable future. We know do Policing Research be a way for research evidence to that sustained routine interactions are Partnerships have in a crisis? feed into policy and practice at a time important (Nutley et al. 2007) in relation Policing research partnerships when much anticipated knowledge to research evidence shaping policy and Bacon, M., Shapland, J., Skinns, L. and White, A. (2020) ‘Fragile Alliances: Culture, Funding and Sustainability in Police-Academic Partnerships’, Evidence & Policy. certainly have an important role to exchange and impact activity will practice, so how do we keep policing Collier, B., Horgan, S., Jones, R. and Shepherd, L. (2020) ‘The implications of the COVID-19 pandemic for cybercrime policing in Scotland: A rapid review play in bringing together practitioners have been put on hold. Established and academic communities engaged of the evidence and future considerations.’ SIPR Research Evidence in Policing: Pandemics. http://www.sipr.ac.uk/publications/pandemic-briefings and academics, and enhancing links with academics through policing and having those sustained routine Crawford, A. (2020) ‘Effecting change in policing through police/academic partnerships: The challenges of (and for) co-production’ understanding and engagement. In research partnerships can also be used interactions virtually during this time? in Bullock, K., Fielding, N.and Holdaway, S. (eds) Critical Reflections on Evidence-Based Policing. Routledge. addition to building relationships, to support new oversight mechanisms Whilst webinars provide an opportunity Martin, D. and Wooff, A. (2018) ‘Treading the Front-Line: Tartanization and Police–Academic Partnerships’, Policing: A Journal of Policy and Practice, 0(0), pp. 1–12. doi: 10.1093/police/pay065. having a formal infrastructure to (e.g. the Independent Advisory Group to expand ones audience internationally, underpin partnerships means that in Scotland). Blogs, social media and online events do not provide the same Nutley, S. Walter, I. Davies, H. (2007) ‘Improving the use of research: what’s been tried and what might work? Using evidence: How research can inform public services. Bristol University Press. they are well placed to collaborate international academic networks opportunity as face-to-face events Wells, H., Aston, L., O’Neill, M. and Bradford, B. (2020) The rise of technologically-mediated police contact: the potential and be responsive during a can be used to exchange ideas on for bringing police and academics consequences of ‘socially-distanced policing’. British Society of Criminology Blog. https://bscpolicingnetwork.com/2020/04/29/ crisis like a global pandemic. policing of lockdowns globally. together for the first time. However, the-rise-of-technologically-mediated-police-contact-the-potential-consequences-of-socially-distanced-policing/ 22 23 Partnerships and Evidence-Based Policing n8prp.org.uk

The police furnished me with Forty Years Of Conducting an office at police headquarters, Research For, And With, The and for decades I have been one Police – Confessions By An of the very few researchers in Scandinavia who has carried out Early Police Researcher research for and with the police Johannes Knutsson

ohannes Knutsson reflects on his personal and the Given the dearth of empirical studies, wider intellectual and institutional journey that even rather unassuming descriptive studies were helpful. A challenge has applied police research has taken over his career… J been to present useful, and for the police understandable studies that also I belonged to the first cohort studying The police gave me free access to were accepted as sound by academia. criminology at Stockholm University the organization and its data. Over My first reports for the police were in the late 1960s. However, I soon grew time, conditions for research changed. part of my dissertation, and in that to be uneasy since I could not discern Initially, since this was something sense were of sufficient standard. the utility of the “radical” and “critical” new, there were no regulations, and criminology dominating Swedish decisions about studies, how they Already as a university student I was academia during this era. Virtually could be set up, and the data needed interested in evaluation studies, and nothing about police or policing was were mostly made in an informal have been involved in about a dozen for last ten years or so, the number of Consistently, based on the available far too restrictive as an evidence taught; one reason was the lack of such way. In fact, during the years I have the police. Two were unplanned. In one thoroughly executed projects have evidence, I have argued for keeping base. Essential undertakings are how studies. When asked by the police in occasionally ended up with data I case results from a study motivated the increased markedly. A common the Norwegian policy. High officials to assess the validity of experiential the mid-1970s to conduct studies on formally should not have been given introduction of preventive measures, denominator is participation of have stated that without these studies, knowledge, and how to infuse useful commission basis, I accepted. However, access to. By contrast, today research is and one way of checking their academically trained analysts. the Norwegian police would now research knowledge into policing. This strictly regulated where approval from the sceptical attitude of my university effectiveness was to make a follow-up carry firearms as a matter of routine. takes a partnership between police and an ethical board is a requirement to colleauges motivated me to affiliate study employing the same procedures As for impact, I have one strong case. academia where the parties understand commence a study. The “wild west”- with the police, and distance myself for data collecting. In the other a unit In Norway, the police are trained in the To support the police research and respect each other’s preconditions. situation in the past saved a lot of time from the university. It did not help had already planned an intervention use of firearms but, as a general rule, community and practitioners dedicated And to stimulate such collaborations and red-tape. However, most, but not that, in the early 1980s, I conducted that I did not know of. Thus, it was a do not have immediate access, as the to improve policing, I have organised is one core idea of the N8 PRP project. all projects could probably have been matter of gathering post intervention studies confirming the soundness Swedish police. Normally in Norway, and edited a number of edited volumes carried out even with present standard. data. My free hands made it possible to of situational crime prevention. the firearms are stored in police cars. with contributions of leading experts. exploit the appearing opportunities. Police use of firearms was compared in The last two have dealt with meta- To begin with I was heavily influenced an empirical study, showing less use in issues. The title of the second last Johannes Knutsson is professor The police furnished me with an by the early studies from the US Police My posture to evaluations has Norway with fewer injured and killed edited collection is telling in itself: emeritus, Norwegian Police office at police headquarters, and for Foundation; along with other studies changed from distant observer persons, and no indication of adverse Applied Police Research – challenges University College. He has decades I have been one of the very few that questioned the “professional” approach to an openness for an consequences for the Norwegian and opportunities. The last volume – held positions as researcher at researchers in Scandinavia who has model of policing. I still hold the action research model. The clearest officers. The comparison was widened Advances in Evidence Based Policing the Swedish National Council carried out research for and with the Kansas City Preventive Patrol as one example was supporting a police in a new study by including the – was motivated by a wish to advance for Crime Prevention, the Swedish Police Academy, the police. To get first-hand knowledge I of the most important police studies. I district in carrying out a full-blown other Nordic countries, and later on and develop the evidence concept Swedish National Police Board, spent long hours observing the police soon became involved in the teaching problem-oriented policing project to followed up with an edited book of itself. It sought to explore a more and the Norwegian Police performing the various activities of middle-rank leaders, and those in demonstrate the effectiveness of the police use of force in international inclusive understanding of evidence University College where he under study. And, of course, I learned careers to become Commissioners. philosophy. Since mid-2000s, I have perspective. Since there regularly have that informs evidence based policing was appointed Professor of a lot in more or less formal interviews To acquire basic facts, I conducted been a Herman Goldstein Award been debates whether the Norwegian and includes reflections on the work Police Research in 1998. and conversations with the officers – a couple of studies on uniformed judge, and have examined a couple police should shift policy, these studies and contribution of the N8 Policing some of which became my friends. policing and the clearing up of crimes. of hundred submissions. During the have contributed with basic facts. Research Partnership. RCTs are simply 24 25 Data Analytics and Training n8prp.org.uk

managers and informing decision Digital Transformation can synthesize the new information, Digital transformation is not only making on the front line and the data Digital transformation is not only about assess how the reduced movements minion providing numbers and reports new technologies and ways of working, of people will instantly reduce the about new technologies and because it has always been done that it is also about forces changing the opportunity for many acquisitive way. Although analysts are very much relationship they have with their data. crimes, while simultaneously part of service delivery, they do not Historically, data have been collected increasing the risk of violence and ways of working, it is also about wear a uniform, do not (usually) attend in siloes with little consideration of the abuse within the home. Meanwhile incidents and are most often found practicalities of making high quality forces changing the relationship behind the scenes. Being out of sight data available for analysis or the time a predictive policing algorithm is often means the contribution made by spent by analysts in making data less flexible, it will take time for the they have with their data analysts is not fully recognised and it fit for purpose. While tools such as software to learn the new normal becomes hard for them to break free self-service analytics allow analysts to and adapt and change assessments from the expectation that they are there break away from being data providers, to include these new parameters. to ‘Find me the data that shows…’. This simply introducing modern tools is a vicious circle; analysts become using traditional data models is not The Rise of Data adept at finding the data, this pleases enough and there is still much work Specialists in Policing whoever has requested the data, the to be done on improving data quality. Having a long history of extensive analysts feels rewarded by a job well Self-service analytics may allow many done, more data are requested and more users to explore data but the and expansive data collection policing the cycle repeats itself, but finding output lacks the context and situational organisations are data rich and the data is not analysis and over time the awareness that an analyst can provide, technologies and techniques of big role of analyst becomes devalued. with manual coding needed to data, machine learning and predictive answer many of the questions of most analytics are becoming more What the National Intelligence pressing concerns, these technologies accessible. Despite these advantages, Model did for the Analyst support but do not replace analysts. forces often struggle to turn their The National Intelligence Model (NIM) data into information that can be was developed as a business process Machine learning can automate and used to make practical differences Reflecting on the Role of model for intelligence led policing. The bring speed and precision to repetitive to the public. Enabling police forces model, backed by a code of practice tasks, with predictive policing tools created common standards, setting capable of identifying trends and to harness the full potential of data Data Specialists in Policing out a clear framework where analysis patterns in a fraction of the time that analytics applications provides an of information and intelligence it would take an analyst to complete opportunity for analysts to re-emerge Fiona McLaughlin would drive policing activity through manually. However, while technology from the behind the scenes and tasking and co-ordination. The NIM automates existing processes, it learns become Data Specialists in Policing. n 2019, the N8 Policing Research Partnership’s Training and single data scientist was a seductive formalised four ‘Intelligence Products’ from input. Algorithms can be highly Learning and Data Analytics strands delivered a second round proposition. Thankfully, five years on, backed by a toolkit of nine analytical sophisticated but they cannot cover this dispiriting scenario has failed to of their innovative continuing professional development practices. Furthermore, the NIM every eventuality. A predictive policing I materialise and there are encouraging recognised people as assets with model may include parameters for time, Fiona McLaughlin is N8 PRP programme “Empowering Data Specialists in Policing”. This signs that police analysts are once essential roles (including analysts) place, vulnerability and opportunity but Research Officer based in the inter-disciplinary endeavour has involved academics and again being valued and are recognised having formally agreed competencies not be sensitive to unexpected changes School of Law at University practitioners from universities and police forces across the as part of the solution. This matters and occupational standards. in the same way that an analyst is. of Leeds working on the Data north of England co-producing the programme with a view to me because having worked as an Analytics Strand of the Catalyst Grant. Together with Dr Jude to refresh quantitative research skills, introduce data science analyst in policing and community While the NIM placed analysis and What Happens When safety settings for almost 20 years, I analysts at the core of its business Society Changes? Towers and colleagues she skills, and demonstrate practical applications of research co-designed and delivered the know the contribution that analysts model, the practical response relied When crime patterns change overnight N8 PRP Data Analysts CPD to police analysts. The programme delivered eight days of have to offer. So why did analysts upon templated assessments to service the analyst can react in a way that is programme. In 2020, they were training to 45 participants, over a period of eight months. become easy pickings during austerity? meetings and analysis fell into the beyond the present capabilities of the recipients of an award for trap of being a description of the ‘who, artificial intelligence. The policing Excellence in Analysis by the Are the Days of the of the police analyst were numbered. Constrained by Expectation what, when, where and how?’ of the implications of the social distancing International Association of Analyst Numbered? Austerity was driving forces to search Analysts occupy difficult territory; problem, at best offering limited insight measures introduced during the Law Enforcement Intelligence Back in 2015, when the Catalyst Grant for ever greater savings in their staff their status within a hierarchical into causation, the ‘why?’ Analysis had COVID-19 pandemic being a case in Analysts (IALEA) for their work. of the N8 PRP project began, I was budgets and the idea that teams organisation is unclear. They are become a data-led narrative rather point. Using a combination of critical alarmed to hear reports that the days of analysts could be replaced by a simultaneously the data expert advising than a process of data-driven challenge. and strategic thinking the analyst 26 27 Data Analytics and Training n8prp.org.uk

N8 PRP CPD programme Training and Learning was nominated and won – a review international recognition: Jude Towers Dr Jude Towers and Fiona he focus of the Training and Learning strand of the N8 PRP of police analysts from the CPD in 2019 – 2020, in collaboration with the Data Analytics programme, who will work with McLaughlin were both Dr Nick Malleson and Dr Dan Birks strand, has been to focus on the second cohort of the CPD T from the University of Leeds to ‘real awarded individual programme for police analysts. Taking the learning from the time’ solve policing problems using pilot year, the programme was further developed into an eight- machine learning techniques. prizes for Excellence in module programme and successfully delivered to a larger than anticipated cohort of 40 analysts, predominantly from the N8 PRP Training and Learning activities Analysis 2020, from the police forces, but also from Fire and Rescue and local government. continue across the N8 PRP with funding available for the co- ordination of small events, more International Association The modules explored a wide range Edge Hill University, have decided to information can be accessed on of traditional and emerging topics, pilot what has become known as the the project website – https://n8prp. of Law Enforcement including: defining the role of the NAG; the Northern Analysts Group. The org.uk/training-and-learning/ data specialist; POP; visualisation; intention is that this relatively informal modelling; ethics and data and ‘relaxed’ body enables some Intelligent Analysts for their management; and predictive policing. sharing of research and best practice, With discussions continuing about as well as offering some get-togethers Dr Jude Towers is Senior work in developing and the importance of the analyst role in and maybe training in time. It is not the Lecturer in Policing Studies evidence-informed policing; and how intention to create an administrative at Liverpool John Moores delivering the programme the continued support, development monster, nor an unwieldy organisation, University. Until 2018, she was and promotion of the value of analysts but rather a forum to support analysts a lecturer in the Sociology as central ‘change-agents’ in the from across the N8 region.” Department at Lancaster developing evidence-informed University where she took on agenda across the public sector. In other good news, the N8 PRP CPD the lead for the Training and programme was nominated and won Learning strand of N8 PRP Emerging from the programme a self- international recognition: Dr Jude which she has continued to lead organising network group – ‘Northern Towers and Fiona McLaughlin were on since moving institutions. Analysts Group’ (NAG) – has been both awarded individual prizes for established. At the first meeting in Excellence in Analysis 2020, from February 2020, NAG stated: “Following the International Association of Law the 2019 N8 ‘Empowering Data Enforcement Intelligent Analysts Specialists in Policing’ CPD events, for their work in developing and a number of attendees spoke of the delivering the programme. unexpected benefits of meeting up with fellow analysts from other police The final period of Training and forces and disciplines. Some academics Learning activity under the Catalyst and presenters from N8 and supporting grant will see the design and delivery universities have also voiced the of a workshop on policing people benefits of meeting with practitioners. trafficking and Vietnamese OCGs Lancashire Police and South Yorkshire to be held in Liverpool. There is also Police, along with Leeds University and a specialist workshop with a subset

28 29 Data Analytics and Training n8prp.org.uk

exposed analysts to new ways Why the Programme for ‘Data of working and developing Specialists in Policing’ is more important intelligence to important now than ever. prevent hate crime Scott Keay

he Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Programme years to design, develop and run the for ‘Data Specialists in Policing’ (police analysts) designed programme. The CPD programme is currently being revised to be delivered and delivered by the N8 PRP has now completed two full T in late 2020 in a blended learning cohorts: in 2018 and in 2019. Both can be considered as hugely format that is more conducive to the successful. Perhaps for the first time for many of the participants, current work environment and context police analysts have been exposed to a series of modules that in the light of the Covid-19 pandemic. expanded their knowledge and tested their existing skill sets. Even now, the substance of training and level of investment Why was this programme important for analysts? for analysts is a mixed picture across the UK. The N8 PRP’s It is fair to say that the analyst role has pioneering CPD programme has been a welcome addition evolved considerably since the National to those luckily enough to attend, particularly as many forces Intelligence Model (NIM) placed the are now requesting analysts to work in new areas such as data role centre stage in intelligence analysis visualisation, the analysis of ‘big data’ and the use of algorithms. back in 2000. In the last couple of years UK police forces have been emerging All of these topics were covered across the CPD programme. from a backdrop of austerity. During austerity the analyst role had been opportunity at working directly within awful lot of policing research and The Data Specialists in Policing from the workplace. This allowed significantly cut and this was an issue ‘industry’. This work was showcased, analysis. This also led me to work programme was a series of modules, participants the chance to return to that bothered me enough to publish Scott Keay is a Senior Lecturer along with similar projects, during the with the N8 partnership and Jude and Researcher in Policing at designed and delivered in the most their organisation and apply new ideas an article entitled ‘Police Analyst and programme to demonstrate what can and Fiona. I would love to see this Edge Hill University. He worked part by Dr Jude Towers and Fiona and then return the following month to the Influence of Evidence-Based be achieved when analysts go beyond CPD programme continue to run. I for Lancashire Constabulary McLaughlin. The programme has been the next CPD session and discuss their Policing’ (by Keay and Kirby, 2018) the traditional NIM role description. for almost 20 years in various co-produced with input and feedback progress. A significant difference with in Policing: A Journal of Policy and believe that the programme provides The use of big data, machine learning analytical positions including; from practitioners and academics this series of CPD events is that it was Practice. With evidence-based policing an excellent foundation for further and algorithms is changing the very Criminal Intelligence Analyst, to provide core ideas, training, delivered by academics, practitioners (EBP) gaining traction, it was clear that analyst development and potential nature of established intelligence Senior Community Safety and research and data tips to improve the and industry leaders. This collaboration there was a gap in analyst skill sets, courses in key topic areas. Working protocols and policing procedures Partnership Intelligence Analyst assimilation of rigorous scientific allowed the discussions and material to particularly around scientific research in collaboration with academic and it is essential that analysts are and Data Analysis and Insight and academic research into policing, consider themes and issues related to and analytical methods. Many forces institutions is providing police forces trained and supported in keeping Manager. He was involved in the whilst also improving the analyst role; intelligence and crime analysis but may had started working in collaboration the opportunity to improve its own development of crime analysis including skills and knowledge to meet not have been previously considered. with academic institutions to conduct up to date with cutting edge research. This has also seen me through a series of CPD events the challenges of new and changing more objective and scientific research. technological change. The N8 PRP’s recently move across from policing funded by the N8 PRP and technologies. The programme Appropriately, both Jude and For example, Lancashire Constabulary CPD programme has been a significant into academia where I teach EBP, his work in developing crime took analysts into new territory and Fiona were recipients of the 2020 worked successfully with Leeds and welcome step in this direction. problem-oriented policing (POP) and analysis with the N8 PRP led examined a number of interconnected International Association of Law University on a machine-learning ‘information and intelligence’. I am still to being the recipient of the topics that covered traditional crime Enforcement Intelligence Analysts project to identify hate speech on My own career shift and support 2018 IALEIA Service Award for analysis through to data science. The (IALEIA) ‘excellence in analysis’ award Twitter. This exposed analysts to for EBP and the analyst role committed to positively influencing the “outstanding contribution as a programme built up over the sessions for delivering the CPD programme. new ways of working and developing On a personal note, I spent 20 years development, growth and training of supervisor to the achievement and rather than be run as a full-time It was a fitting tribute to the two of important intelligence to prevent hate with Lancashire Constabulary in analysts. It is a role that is essential to of law enforcement objectives”. two-week course, the sessions were them and the N8 PRP for its vision, crime. In return, the researchers at a variety of police analyst roles. crime and intelligence analysis and one split over the year to ease abstractions persistence and dedication over 3 Leeds University were afforded the During that journey I learned an that still has a huge future ahead of it. 30 31 Data Analytics and Training n8prp.org.uk

Unlike many internal CPD sessions the programme Practitioners’ Experience utilised a wealth of of the ‘Empowering Data presenters, many of whom Specialists in Policing’ Course are senior lecturers of the Andrew White N8 group of universities hrough the eyes and experiences of a practitioner, attending through exposure to new techniques, the N8 PRP-derived ‘Empowering Data Specialists in systems software and mind-sets. I strongly feel that the N8 region will Policing’ Continuing Professional Development (CPD) T now be in a much stronger position course has been incredibly worthwhile. The course embarked by having colleagues who have by taking participants back to basics; why analysis matters, attended the CPD course and I have challenging biases, identifying bad habits and practices. This was no doubt that their work will continue complemented by reiterating the proven and evidence-based to benefit policing for a considerable time. By empowering analysts in the worth of the intelligence analysis within a police setting. Steadily way that has been enabled, the whole throughout the well-considered programme the participants were analytical profession within policing exposed to new technologies and methodologies, concluding and intelligence may find itself elevated. with sessions on machine learning, algorithmic applications and the correct uses of ‘big data’. Ideally, and regardless of experience, analytical discipline (whether that be more Andrew Wright is a Strategic intelligence, partnership, performance or statistical) or length Road Safety Partnership Analyst of service, I feel all intelligence analysts would benefit greatly at Lancashire Constabulary from attending such a structured programme of learning.

Unlike many internal CPD sessions was noted by many attendees. From the programme utilised a wealth this, and with the support of Fiona of presenters, many of whom are McLaughlin and Jude Towers, a small senior lecturers of the N8 group of group of participants of the CPD universities, to ensure the course course have drafted the concept of content was robust, soundly evidence- a ‘N8 PRP Networking Group’. It is based and current. Course delivery by hoped that the introductions made, such notable figures has undoubtedly and the momentum which was built, increased the credibility of the during the CPD sessions will continue course and widened the peripheral both virtually and also in person. visions of those attending. To conclude; irrespective of experience The corralling of such a broad range within analysis and exposure to of analysts from across the region methods, systems and products, was also an appreciated by-product the ‘Empowering Data Specialists of the sessions; in times of shrinking in Policing’ CPD course benefited budgets and teams it has become all. Younger in service analysts were increasingly difficult and rare to share exposed to what really can be achieved and discuss our works; the benefit and produced whilst some more of informal face-to-face workshops seasoned attendees were reinvigorated 32 33 Data Analytics and Training n8prp.org.uk

something that obviously needs to Unfortunately, I was not able to programme to other analysts at GMP be embraced as the world changes at attend the module on ‘visualisation because I think it’s really beneficial and Practitioners’ Experience an accelerating pace. It is insufficient using R’, but the links on the n8dads. interesting, whether someone is a new to keep using the same techniques org.uk website allowed me to have analyst or has been here for a while. over and over with the expectation of a go in my own time. I think that of the ‘Empowering Data them working on new and changing some of my colleagues found the programming aspects of some of datasets. There is definitely reluctance This article was provided with regards to change but it is not the modules daunting, but when by a member of the new Specialists in Policing’ Course they saw what the application of the something we can ignore as a force. ‘Northern Analysts Group’, a programs could achieve, they were Northern Analysis Group self-organising network group more interested. The algorithms that Problem Orientated Policing is that was formed as a result looked at Tweets could have really of the ‘Empowering Data The variety in modules gave a something that is POP-ular (pun found the N8 PRP Continuing Professional Development useful applications for our work as a Specialists in Policing’ course. good taster for each topic and programme for data analysts to be a useful insight into intended) in our police force at the lot of time is wasted manually going the different approaches that can be taken to problems modules that included a practical moment and the module was a through free text fields of crimes and I element made initial discussions that affect other forces as well as our own. Interacting with useful refresher for techniques and incidents because we don’t currently with other analysts easier. considerations when faced with data analysts from other forces helped me to understand the have any other way of doing it. chronic problem areas that don’t seem similar techniques we share, as well as differences, and how The module on Algorithmic Decision to be getting any better. It’s one of The speakers for each of the modules there are common issues across them all. It was also good to Making gave a good introduction those topics that, when presented to were very knowledgeable and the understand the different structures of other forces, whether their to how we can use technology to you, it seems obvious, but you might events themselves were well put analysts are centralised or disbursed across their force area. get more value out of large data. It is not have thought about it on your own. together. I’ve recommended the Problem Orientated Policing is something that is POP-ular

34 35 Evaluation, Impact and the Small Grant Scheme n8prp.org.uk

organisational culture of all ranks of I think the approach N8 takes and the and supporting the N8 PRP was police officers and staff. Acceptance funding for the small projects and what important for both the region’s police The N8 Policing Research of EBP will remain fragile so long as they’ve managed to produce has been forces and academics. However, most it is promoted and spearheaded by absolutely excellent. [Interviewee 06] said that the continuation of the individual evidence enthusiasts. The N8 PRP will require several things Partnership: Examining survey did find generally positive The benefits of N8 to happen: the necessary funding attitudes toward the principles of EBP. PRP engagement being available: EBP being fully Fifty-seven per cent said that research The in-depth interviews identified embedded into the organisational the First Four Years had affected their working practices, the perceived benefits of the N8 PRP, fabric of forces; and senior police with almost all senior officers and which included the advantages of officers and PCCs being able to see Tiggey May, Richard Sen and Mike Hough civilian staff agreeing that collaboration working in partnership, the small an organisational benefit to being between police and academics was grant projects, being part of the part of the partnership. For example: s part of the N8 Policing Research Partnership (N8 PRP), vital to enhance greater use of research decision making process regarding York University, the evaluators of the overall programme, The N8 is evidence. However, respondents funding allocation, PhD and Evidence based policing needs commissioned Institute for Criminal Policy Research were pessimistic about levels of career development opportunities, to become a part of the overall A organisational support for EBP: almost cardiovascular system of policing, (IPCR) at Birkbeck College, London to undertake a six month an example establishing relationships beyond two-thirds of respondents believed the work of the N8 PRP, being part don’t strip it out. [Interviewee 13] evaluation focusing on police officer/staff use of research, their of genuine there were no organisational emphasis of innovative research projects views of the value and usefulness of research evidence, the on the use of research in decision- and attending forums. Some were To combine the knowledge of the making, and 57% thought there was reach and impact of the partnership, and the challenges it faces. very positive indeed, referring to police with the intellectual academic co-production a general lack of understanding The evaluation covered the partnership’s first four years. the ways in which collaboration firepower that N8 has available to it in their organisation about the provided practical benefits as well as would be formidable [Interviewee 04] between the relevance of research evidence to Aims of the evaluation national policy leads, all of whom opportunities for staff development. everyday policing. The overall sense In conclusion Our six-month evaluation was were knowledgeable about the N8 from the survey was that evidence conducted alongside the N8 PRP and evidence-based policing police and The future Interviewees were unequivocal in their enthusiasts are champing at the bit support for the continuation of the N8 internal evaluation but independent (EBP). We also undertook a survey to move their force onward towards A significant theme to emerge from of it. Its aims were to: of staff in the N8 PRP police forces. academics the evaluation was the need to plan PRP; all were largely impressed with the EBP but felt that organisationally distance travelled by the partnership in The qualitative interviews aimed to and resource the implementation of n Examine the effectiveness of there is still a long way to go. This its first four years. Many interviewees evaluate the benefits and challenges research recommendations. Several the N8 PRP model for delivering pattern was consistent across ranks. discussed the teething problems of the first four years of the N8 PRP police is straightforward, embedding interviewees suggested that police and embedding evidence within the partnership had experienced, from the perspective of regional and its use within the fabric of police and academics need to work better the 11 N8 PRP police forces; A consistent theme from the in-depth as well as the accomplishments. national policing experts. The survey decision-making is a more ambitious together to implement research n Examine the perceived impact interviews was that the initial funding Moving forward interviewees want was designed to assess uses made and long-term agenda. Whilst the recommendations. For example: of involvement in an N8 PRP period needed to be about laying the the partnership to evolve, from one of N8 PRP products and to see how survey suggested that awareness of research partnership structural foundations through the N8 that produces research to one that the partnership was seen by police the N8 PRP was low amongst junior I saw a lot of output [from the N8 PRP], PRP Steering Group and forming local commits to assisting the police to n Examine the challenges officers and other staff. In addition, we ranks, with only 35% being aware of it, but I didn’t see a lot of implementation… partnerships through research and embed evidence and implement experienced during the mapped the ‘products’ of the N8 PRP. those interviewed in depth highlighted I didn’t see, this is an initiative, the training activities. Most interviewees recommendations. There was a first four years Police officers and other staff were that the idea of embedding evidence collaboration found this, and it’s agreed that to ensure sustainability consensus that the police need to n Conduct an on-line survey within policing is a generational encouraged to participate, but take- a coherent and workable regional been implemented across these start seeing the tangible benefits from to examine the use of N8 project. As one interviewee stated: up was disappointing, and only 151 structure needed to be in place to number of police forces with this their partnerships with academics. research products; and respondents completed the survey . enable co-production and use of level of impact. I never saw that. I n Examine interviewees’ thoughts No amount of anything is going to evidence by police and academics: saw a lot of good things, I listened on what the future direction and Awareness and impact change police culture in the three years to a lot of good discussions, a lot of Tiggey May is a Senior Research priorities for the N8 PRP should be. of the N8 PRP that N8 has been operating. It would The N8 is an example of genuine interesting discussions, but I never Fellow at the Institute for Crime Several interviewees thought that it was be unrealistic to expect, even with an co-production between the police saw the impact [Interviewee 05]. and Justice Policy Research, Methods “just too early” to measure the impact investment of £7m or even £27m, a and academics, it’s far too soon to talk Birkbeck, School of Law, The evaluation was conducted of the programme, these findings change in police culture. It is going about realising benefits… N8 is probably Interviewees were unanimous in University of London, where over a six-month period during are consistent with research which to take a long time. [Interviewee 06] the best example of a major funding their view that the N8 PRP should Richard Sen is a Research 2019. Methods comprised of 20 evaluated the College of Policing’s programme to particularly facilitate the continue to promote, enable, and Assistant and Professor Mike in-depth qualitative interviews with “What Works” programme conducted by Interviewees highlighted the difficulties relationship between academics and provide a regional structure for the Hough is Emeritus Professor senior police officers, Police and Hunter et al (2017, 2019). Whilst making of embedding evidence into the the police... I think the police attitude co-production of police academic Crime Commissioners (PCCs) and research evidence available to the fabric of the police service and the to research has changed dramatically… knowledge. All agreed that sustaining 36 37 Evaluation, Impact and the Small Grant Scheme n8prp.org.uk

N8 PRP demonstrates, there is huge potential for co-production of knowledge

scientific research did not feature as evidence tends to be understood in that situates academic researchers the root of these innovative practices instrumental terms, as would evidence as experts in designing, conducting, Police/Academic Perspectives and so there was a limited evidential for forensic purposes: it is valuable if it evaluating and disseminating base. None was based on large scale, is useful to a further end, whether that research findings. It is a welcome multi-site research but more typically be to strengthen a case for prosecution and positive development to see on Evidence: Implications based on routine performance data. In or another criminal justice outcome. policing professionals move away one police service area, for example, the from being positioned as the project to deploy a ‘DA Car’ had been One of the other police service areas subject of external scrutiny and for Co-Production developed following analysis of police had selected a project that was overtly instead becoming accepted as statistics, such that the car was deployed innovative, and (due to its budget active participants in collaborative Mike Rowe, Pam Davies, Donna Marie Brown and Paul Biddle in relation to ‘hot spots’ and ‘hot times’ being from the Police Innovation research. However, it would be naïve apparent from operational data on cases Fund) had ‘permission to fail’ rather to assume that such collaborative n our recent paper ‘Understanding the status of evidence in police services had (among other reported. Equally, the ‘success’ of the than being ‘doomed to success’. working will be seamless and without policing research’ published in Policing & Society (Davies things) created specialist posts and new intervention was judged in terms of This reflects a widely noted cultural difficulty. As we experienced in our training packages; piloted Domestic et al., 2020), we reflect on the quality and status of research the amount of cases responded to, and and organisational imperative for study, working across professional I Violence Protection Orders; led on victim satisfaction with the response projects to been seen as successful boundaries will raise new and evidence in policing through a focus on innovations in Domestic Violence Disclosures; and provided. This is a relatively modest and that this is associated with the important discussions and debates policing domestic abuse as examined in three English police introduced multi-agency teams, school research base, and our interviews career development of those who about what should be researched, liaison officers, and victim advocates. services (Northumbria, North Yorkshire and West Yorkshire). showed that what constitutes research lead them. One person interviewed how it should be researched and The aim of our project was to uncover evidence varied among officers, staff noted “there was less cynicism around why it is important. As opposed to the factors that explain the success of and us as researchers. For some it is the project, and internally we were The discussion follows from a research These perspectives are not necessarily being a weakness of collaborative the initiatives identified. We worked professional insight and/or expertise, under less pressure. Because it was an project we conducted with support contradictory or non-reconcilable working, the different views of the in collaboration with police staff from for others it is rigorous evaluation ‘innovation’ fund, we were given more from the N8 PRP Small Grants Scheme and they can be explained by multiple stakeholders about what three police forces. Our intention was demonstrating particular effects. Often room to experiment and staff bought between 2017-18. We make these different institutional cultures and constitutes ‘evidence’ opened up to identify core conditions for success it was implied that the evidential basis into it more easily”. This suggests that observations in the broader context of practices. It is important, though, to very productive conversations that could be transferred to other police of the work stemmed from the insight of shifting the cultural environment police professionalism and the growing recognise, acknowledge, account about what works in the policing services and areas of innovation. local police leaders who had instigated within policing such that it can number of large-scale regional police- for and perhaps reconcile these of domestic abuse as elsewhere. the work, implicitly privileging their become more receptive to innovation, academic collaborations across the UK differences as academic researchers professional expertise. In a deferential trialling new projects and critical which are a part of this shift. These engaged in the expanding field of We found key differences in how understanding and conceptions of and hierarchical environment, the reflection is possible, albeit in this developments reflect an international policing studies and in the move ‘evidence’ varied between academic experiential perspective of senior case this was only achieved because context in which Evidence-Based towards co-production of research. Mike Rowe is Professor in the Policing (EBP) is shaping approaches and police partners; these differences leaders was regarded by subordinates the project was identified as outside Department of Social Sciences at to training and operational work. Our reflected organisational and working as a sufficient evidential basis. the mainstream of police activity. Northumbria University and was A central objective of the project was article provides insights of significance cultures and traditions. For more the Principal Investigator on the to help transfer innovative practice to these wider shifts in policing. effective co-production of research – What was apparent from our study As the N8 PRP demonstrates, there is N8 PRP small grant ‘Innovation around domestic abuse as well as, First, we make some observations of the sort advocated through the N8 was that ‘good research’ and ‘robust huge potential for co-production of in Policing Domestic Abuse’. He more broadly, to provide police and about the key bodies involved in the PRP – these contrasting definitions evidence’ were understood only knowledge but there are, inevitably, a is also a member of the N8 PRP academic researchers with greater professionalisation of policing. We then need to be better acknowledged through negotiated agreement, series of challenges. This research has Advisory Board. Pam Davies provide an overview of our own study understanding of the mechanisms and understood. Some of these are there was not an inherent shared found that arriving at what constitutes is Professor of Criminology at that sought to understand success and contexts shaping successful articulated below. In practice, our understanding of what such terms ‘evidence’ is neither straightforward Northumbria University. Donna and to build capacity in relation to changes in operational practice. research found that each project was mean. This suggests a further challenge nor monolithic when researching Marie Brown is Senior Lecturer innovations in policing domestic Prior to our research, Her Majesty’s underpinned by some professional in the development of cross-sector what works in policing domestic in Applied Social Science at abuse. This includes a description of Inspectorate of Constabulary reports knowledge and evidence but that the partnerships that can engage in the abuse. In some ways, this is related Durham University. Paul Biddle how we operationalised the research, i n 2014 and 2015) had provided nature of this was considerably adrift co-production of knowledge. Academic to broader dilemmas that policing is Senior Research Fellow in the focusing on an innovative practice indications of the limitations of the from most social science standards researchers and police colleagues are researchers and policing professionals Department of Social Sciences in each of the police service areas. police service response to victims of research methodology notably the hampered by different expectations, face when conducting collaborative at Northumbria University. Next, we reflect upon understanding of domestic abuse at the same time Maryland Scientific Methods Scale organisation, and cultural practices. Our research. We need to be attentive to success in the context of policing as they had highlighted pockets of advanced by some proponents of EBP. reflections suggest that when pushed the challenges raised when multiple domestic abuse. Our main argument successful practice. The same HMIC police who are engaged as respondents stakeholders aim to work together. Reference is that police staff and academic reports provide short descriptions of In each of the three innovations we in research and evaluations of Davies, P., Rowe, M., Brown D.M. and Biddle, P. (2020) ‘Understanding the status of evidence researchers do not always share the innovations in policy and practice examined, practice was originally initiatives, will interpret robust research Contemporary discourses around in policing research: reflections from a study of same conceptualisations of what for tackling domestic abuse in several derived from the basis of evidence that as research which is akin to what they policing research suggest a policing domestic abuse’, Policing and Society, constitutes ‘evidence’ and ‘research’. forces. Within the N8 PRP area alone, referred to internal police data. External typically understand as evidence. Police destabilizing of the historic hierarchy https://doi.org/10.1080/10439463.2020.1762598 38 39 Evaluation, Impact and the Small Grant Scheme n8prp.org.uk

looking for outstanding Unquantifiable Benefits – Some examples of impact-focused Notes On The Evaluation Of The work and coproduction with Small Grants Programme the intention of identifying the Geoff Page ingredients that can support

n this short article, my aim is to explore briefly some of the policing problems and badly wanted effective partnership work features of the evaluation of the N8 PRP small grants scheme, to crack them. However, contracted staff salaries could not be paid for from and to review some of the benefits that were apparent through I small grants – and so the contributions our work – as programme evaluators – but proved very difficult of many senior academic and police to evidence or quantify. In what follows, my purpose will not staff were given as payments in simply be to provide a short summary of the evaluation of the N8 kind. In some instances, full teams PRP’s small grants programme, given that a Summary Findings of senior academics worked on every element of a project from start to report has already been published and is available on the N8 PRP’s end – from fieldwork, to analysis, to website, describing who applied; why; how coproduction was write-up – without any cost being embedded in their work; and measurable aspects of impact and incurred by the N8 PRP. In others, legacy. Rather, I will reflect upon some challenges for ourselves policing partners gave extraordinarily as evaluators presented by problems of ‘unquantifiable benefits’. generously of their time to ensure to (at most) half of each project team not shortlisted). In later proposals, partners often speak different project deadlines were met. Two quantifying the hours of work or the non-N8 institutions found clearer languages. However, sometimes there officers who led an investigation into To give a brief overview, within expectation that funding would value that this represented proved ways of becoming involved – by are initiatives or programmes that Bitcoin, for example, delivered almost impossible. This left the evaluation the structure set out for the five- ‘pump prime’ subsequent research finding a partner in an N8 institution to absolutely work – that capture interest, all of work in evenings and weekends; with a bit of a quandary – the added support a developing bid, for example. year Catalyst grant, York has been and yield practical applications. that generate buy-in, that create whilst North Yorkshire gave weeks of value generated by the small grants in One interviewee even described responsible for evaluating and excitement and motivation on all sides. a data analyst’s time and organised terms of financial as well as human his involvement in a bid he had no monitoring the work of the N8 PRP. As lead researcher, I sought to deliver And that multiply the value invested over 30 interviews with frontline capital was clearly huge, and arguably substantive involvement in at all, being From the outset, we have wanted to a small-scale qualitative evaluation of in them several times over in terms officers in multiple sites to support the key benefit of the programme; ‘cold called’ by a police team with a fully take an appreciative stance towards the of both immediate commitments the programme, requesting interviews an investigation into the policing of but evidencing this with a nailed- worked-through proposal and asked PRP’s work – looking for outstanding with key partners from all funded cannabis. Programmes and initiatives down figure was beyond our reach. to append his name to it. The interest of resource, and sustained impact examples of impact-focused work projects from the first three years (2016- were also used to bring additional We have consequently described the generated by a £25,000 funding pot and partnerships. Through the and coproduction with the intention 2018). In an attempt to reach beyond resources to bear, for example impact insofar as we could within for co-produced research projects provision of relatively small awards of identifying the ingredients that the obvious, I also sought interviews harnessing internship schemes to our report, but the outstanding with a streamlined application process of open-ended funding for swift- can support effective partnership with people who had not secured support data sanitisation and analysis. value generated by the small grants was also apparent in N8 institutions. turnaround projects, the small grants work. The small grants programme funding. Following emailed requests merits a dedicated mention here. The scheme thus carried the N8 PRP scheme seems to have hit this sweet has been consistently highlighted for interview, I spoke to 13 academics It was clear, then, that the value message well, inviting investment spot – and in so doing has generated by both policing and academic and 3 police officers, who had worked generated by small grants was often The value of the small grants also from a broad range of parties. value well in excess of its cost. partners as a work package that fits on (and mostly led) 9 funded project vastly more than the £25,000 notional reached further, and interviewees this bill. This programme involved and five unfunded proposals. limit on expenditure. However, gave a real sense that the small grants If a core message has emerged from competitive awards of up to £25,000 quantifying or substantively measuring scheme has been a reputation-maker the evaluation of the N8 Policing Dr Geoff Page is a Research made available each year for between A significant challenge – and one this proved impossible. Despite early for the N8 in many core and external Research Programme, it is that Fellow at the University three and five projects. Each successful that I could not overcome – was attempts to contact and interview all institutions. This was particularly generating sustained, concrete of York. He was the lead bid had to involve at least one of the assessing the value delivered by a those involved in projects, in practice visible in the bids and partnerships engagement is difficult. Securing and researcher working on the N8 PRP’s universities and at least one £25,000 small grant. It was very clear (very understandably!) it was only that originated in or drew on the maintaining buy-in between very Evaluation Strand of the of the policing partners, with broader that many projects were borne of usually principle investigators who expertise of non-N8 PRP forces and large organisations who may have Catalyst Grant for the N8 PRP. partnerships encouraged. Grants passion, curiosity and commitment. responded. This left policing partners universities. Some early bids included competing research relationships is were available for one year with an Teams had often identified real-world under-represented, and with access no N8 PRP partners at all (and so, were difficult, and policing and academic 40 41 Evaluation, Impact and the Small Grant Scheme n8prp.org.uk

In recent years some law enforcement agencies have begun to pro actively investigate Identifying Sexual ASWs to try to identify Trafficking Online instances of trafficking Xavier L’Hoiry, Dr Alessandro Moretti and Georgios Antonopoulos

ne of the fourth round of N8 PRP small grants (2019-20) South Yorkshire Police, has built on this on ASWs by offenders (as opposed identified by comparing multiple systematic approach to investigating included the project: ‘Identifying Sexual Trafficking Online’ early research by: first, carrying out a to independent sex workers): adverts simultaneously: ASWs across the country. Some forces literature review of existing academic instruct staff to manually search conducted by a team including researchers at Sheffield and n The ethnicity/nationality of the n Same phone numbers O and practitioner research on this issue; ASWs, while others use (expensive) subject matches the demands of used in different posting Teesside Universities and police practitioners at South Yorkshire and secondly, engaging with key commercial software (such as Traffic the local market (often Eastern by separate subjects; Police. Here, team members reflect on the project and its impact. practitioners and other stakeholders to Jam or Spotlight) to identify potential European; Vietnamese); n build our understanding of offender Same background can be identified trafficking activity on ASWs, relying Although human trafficking and sexual platforms have also vastly facilitated behavioural patterns on ASWs. We n More than one subject in photos from different adverts; on methods including data scraping exploitation are not new phenomena, the exploitation of vulnerable people conducted 26 interviews with key advertised at once; n Similar/identical text and facial recognition technology. It over the past decade such activities by organised crime actors. However, it stakeholders in the UK, Europe and n Use of third person used (including errors) remains unclear the extent to which have experienced an unprecedented is also true that the very websites that the US, ranging from law enforcement language (‘she’, ‘they’); in multiple adverts; police forces are sharing knowledge boom and widespread facilitation due facilitate these activities may prove to be representatives to academic experts and best practice with one another n Poor use of language with spelling n Same advert appearing in to the development of information and useful for law enforcement. Offenders’ and NGOs in the field of human and indeed some participants in this mistakes and broken English; multiple geographical locations. communication technologies (ICTs). In use of ASWs offers law enforcement trafficking and Modern Slavery. study were not aware that these types the UK, the government has highlighted agencies an unprecedented opportunity n Use of emojis to create At the time of writing, officers and of commercial software even existed. the immense difficulties of tackling to monitor the behaviours of these This culminated in the creation of love hearts or breasts; analysts in South Yorkshire Police’s This perhaps highlights the potential serious and organised crime in the actors, whose activities online inevitably a matrix – the Sexual Trafficking for a tool – such as the STIM – that n Low prices for services Specialist Crimes Unit are ‘road-testing’ context of constantly evolving ICTs. leave so-called digital fingerprints. Identification Matrix (STIM) – which could serve to maximise existing police (as compared to broader the STIM in their live investigations In the context of sexual exploitation, With this in mind, in recent years synthesizes such behavioural and resources, and deliver more targeted, market pricing); and the final phase of the study (to be researchers, policy-makers and some law enforcement agencies have technical patterns of offenders’ intelligence-based interventions. n Wide range of services offered, completed in July 2020) will involve practitioners have identified escorting begun to pro-actively investigate activities on ASWs. This matrix will websites and/or online classifieds such as ASWs to try to identify instances of allow law enforcement officers to including ‘specialist’ services; receiving feedback from SYP on the Adultwork and Vivastreet as key platforms trafficking. Our study has sought to identify and target high-risk adverts n In-calls only – suggesting lack efficacy of the STIM in triaging adverts used by offenders to advertise victims’ aid these types of investigations. with greater precision and efficiency by of independence/autonomy deemed high-risk. At the conclusion Dr Xavier L’Hoiry is lecturer in sexual services. These websites, known using the matrix as a triage tool during and control of movement; of the study, the STIM will be delivered criminology and social policy proactive investigations of suspect back to SYP, having been re-designed and Dr Alessandro Moretti is as Adult Services Websites (ASWs), have Our Study n References to spas, profiles and adverts posted on ASWs. to account for their feedback. Research Associate, both in the fundamentally altered the marketplace Emerging research has shown that massage parlours; for sex work and created a virtual red light offenders using ASWs to facilitate human Department of Sociological district connecting supply and demand trafficking and sexual exploitation often The Sexual Trafficking n Indicators of recent arrival/ Finally, a common theme during Studies at the University online in an environment at relatively display similar patterns of behaviour, Identification Matrix movement “new in our dialogue with practitioners was of Sheffield. Dr Georgios low risk of law enforcement attention including the use of key words, phrases We identified several key indicators town/just arrived”. the considerable diversity of law Antonopoulos is Professor in as compared to street-based sex work. and other patterns in the adverts posted that, according to experts and based enforcement approaches to investigating the Centre for Social Innovation at Teesside University. Though ASWs are used consensually by online. Our N8 PRP small grant study, on existing literature, were more Additionally, there were common fraudulent use of ASWs in the UK. independent sex workers, these same undertaken in collaboration with likely to be found in adverts posted features that could be Very little exists by way of a standard, 42 43 Evaluation, Impact and the Small Grant Scheme n8prp.org.uk

by children aged 16 and 17 (Home In addition, between November 2019 2020 before progressing to the Report Cases of ‘domestic violence’ Office 2015: 2). An expanded version and April 2020, 36 semi-structured Stage and Third Reading. Alongside of this definition is expected to be interviews were conducted with front- this, the Home Office is updating its between individuals aged put on a statutory footing with the line police officers from the two sites Information guide: adolescent to parent enactment of the current Domestic about their experience of responding violence and abuse (APVA) (2015). 16 and over are routinely Abuse Bill. The inclusion of CPV by to CPV. Although the majority of This research has been discussed some children but not others in official interviews were conducted in person, with policy advisors involved in the definitions of domestic abuse has four that were scheduled to take place task, and a seminar presentation ‘flagged’ in police databases. particular relevance for this project. on or after 23rd March, during the of the findings will be delivered to ‘lockdown’ period when Coronavirus- Home Office officials in summer Research aims related movement restrictions were in 2020. Over 60 people were registered The project aimed to build a detailed place, were conducted by telephone. to attend a dissemination conference picture of the characteristics and The officers spoke in detail about issues for practitioners at the University of behaviours of children and young such as the nature and perceived people aged 10 – 19 years who came causes of CPV, the characteristics of the Leeds on 30th April, which included to police notice for CPV between 1st families concerned, the expectations papers from other academics and January and 31st December 2018, of parents and carers, case processing, practitioners working in the field of and of the parents and carers who safeguarding procedures, and the family violence. After being postponed experienced CPV. The research was barriers and obstacles that officers because of the Coronavirus pandemic, also designed to examine the police face when responding to CPV. the conference will now take place as response to CPV, consider how it is soon as is practicable once restrictions shaped by the problematization of Finally, an online survey was developed are eased. Further, a series of peer- CPV as a form of domestic violence, for parents and carers who had called reviewed journal articles exploring and examine what obstacles the the police in the context of CPV. the implications of the findings for police face when dealing with The survey, which was launched theory, policy and practice is planned. CPV. Further, the project aimed to in March 2020 and remained open gather information from parents and for four weeks, was publicised on carers about their interactions with social media by the research team, the police in the context of CPV. practitioners and other individuals and Dr Sam Lewis is Associate organisations working with children Professor of Criminology Research activities and families. In total, 41 parents and and Criminal Justice, Dr Policing Child-to-Parent Violence: Cases of ‘domestic violence’ between carers from across England and Wales Ella Holdsworth is Research individuals aged 16 and over are provided detailed accounts of their Assistant employed on the N8 routinely ‘flagged’ in police databases. children’s violent behaviour and PRP small grant and Dr Jose Lessons from England and Wales Thus whilst cases of CPV by children their interactions with the police. Pina-Sánchez is Associate Professor of Quantitative Sam Lewis, Ella Holdsworth and Jose Pina-Sánchez aged 16 and over were ‘flagged’ by police officers in the research sites, those by Planned outcomes Criminology. They are all children aged 10 – 15 were not. The The findings of the research will be based in the Centre for In England and Wales, the he repeated infliction of physical, emotional, psychological or research team worked closely with the presented to police collaborative Criminal Justice Studies at official non-statutory definition financial harm by children upon parents and carers remains collaborative partners to extract details partners in summer 2020, the University of Leeds. of domestic violence and abuse ‘one of the most understudied types of family violence’ of all CPV by children aged 10 – 19 that accompanied by a Research Findings T describes domestic violence as: (Simmons et al 2018: 31). As with all forms of family violence, the came to police notice over a 12-month Briefing Paper. The findings will period. Interrogation of police databases make a significant contribution References: police are at the forefront of dealing with Child-to-Parent Violence Holt and Lewis (2020) ‘Constituting Child- Any incident or pattern of incidents identified over 4,000 cases of CPV from to knowledge, and support the to-Parent Violence: Lessons from England (CPV). Despite this, there is a lack of knowledge, data and practice of controlling, coercive or threatening across the two sites, involving over development of bespoke (CPV-focused) behaviour, violence or abuse between and Wales’, currently under review. guidance around this aspect of policing. In addition, little is 2,500 children and over 2,700 parents policy and practice guidelines. The Home Office (2013) Information for Local known about families’ experiences of the police response. This those aged 16 or over who are or have and carers. This constitutes the largest findings come at a critical time in Areas on the change to the Definition of N8 PRP funded project was developed in collaboration with two been intimate partners or family research dataset of cases of CPV reported the development of family violence Domestic Violence and Abuse. Home Office. members regardless of gender or Home Office (2015) Information guide: adolescent northern police forces to address these knowledge gaps. In doing to the police in England and Wales to policy and practice. The Domestic sexuality. (Home Office 2013: 2) date. This is also the first study of police Abuse Bill was debated during a second to parent violence and abuse (APVA). Home Office. so, it builds upon the first national study of local responses to CPV, Simmons, M., McEwan, T.E., Purcell, R. and responses to CPV to incorporate data reading in the House of Commons on Ogloff, J.R.P. (2018) ‘Sixty years of child-to-parent conducted with over 200 (primarily non-policing) practitioners This definition embraces a wide from more than one site, enabling 28 April and is expected to conclude abuse research: what we know and where to go’, from across England and Wales (Holt and Lewis, 2020). range of behaviours, including CPV comparisons to be made between areas. the Committee Stage by 25 June Aggression and Violent Behavior, 38: 31-52. 44 45 Insights from Policing the Pandemic n8prp.org.uk

Police And Research Collaborations In A Covid-19 World Gloria Laycock

he N8 PRP programme of research and knowledge exchange communities to work together and base limits, with pandemics in particular government. Unlikely as this is, it does to investigate the effect on crime and risking staff shortages and absenteeism. illustrate to terrorists and others the policing following massive changes in has demonstrated the value of police and researchers future policing plans on a firm footing. How, for example, can we ensure that The police have been highly visible in potential damage that can be caused the routine activities of huge swathes working together on problems. Such partnerships have T the reductions in domestic burglary are policing the lockdown and appear to by bio-engineering. According to of the population. It would be a shame much to commend them – the police with the practical and maintained? Where are the vulnerable have been remarkably successful in Elgarbry (2020), a recent systematic not to take advantage of this and learn positive approach to problem solving and the academic with homes that might be at most risk as doing so without engendering public review of emerging bio-crime, showed from it. With this in mind, perhaps their knowledge of research methods and science. The disruption the lockdown eases? What will the objections. Of course there have eight potential crime harvests that the existing police/N8 committees caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has thrown up a host of new effect of gradually opening schools been a few incidents of what might were enabled by biotechnology. These might meet with some urgency be on parental comings and goings? be seen as over-zealous enforcement, included bio-hacking and illegal gene to discuss the implications of the questions and areas for research that were not dreamed of even Importantly, as we return to our former but given the haste with which these editing. Twenty percent of the articles pandemic and post-lockdown period six months ago, so it is now even more important than ever routines of work, travel and school, measures were introduced and the described attack mechanisms that on the research agenda. Hopefully to work together and address these many emerging issues. what will happen to ‘volume’ crimes? lack of opportunity for clarification involved virus engineering for malign this will be a once in a lifetime of the rules and training of staff, the use. Are we prepared for such attacks? opportunity and we should take it. Two examples: home. There is also evidence that One thing we can be fairly sure exercise must be considered a success. Would we recognise them and do we 1. Changing crime rates? What is domestic assaults have increased, of as the lockdown eases, is that All that said, the number of deaths as have the protective equipment that a consequence of the pandemic, and might be needed by the emergency going down? How should we be although this is not well reflected in unemployment will rise significantly. Gloria Laycock is the Jill the police involvement in responding services, including the police, were responding to the changes? There reports to the police. Children are All the forecasts are for various degrees Dando Professor of Crime to sudden deaths can cause significant such an attack to take place? is good evidence that domestic also at increased risk being kept at of economic collapse. In which case Science at University College impact on officer wellbeing and might burglary has decreased, as (not home for prolonged periods and we can expect property crime to London and is Chair of the point to the need for reviews of policies surprisingly since the shops are away from school. Cyber-crime go up across the board, particularly The UK Government has made N8 PRP Advisory Board. shut!) has shop theft, vehicle theft also appears to have risen, perhaps shop theft and burglary. There is and practices in the light of what constant use of scientific advice during has largely reduced and street because of the increased use of good research evidence that the will have been a unique experience. the course of the pandemic. This has Hopefully established research crime is down, reflecting the the Internet as people have been health of the economy is related not been straightforward. Science Elgarbry, M. (2020) Bio-crime and COVID-19, reduction in people on the streets, locked down. The opportunity to crime patterns. How might we evidence can contribute to that process. seldom gives un-caveated answers COVID-19 Special Papers, UCL Jill Dando Institute. and the closed bars and pubs. to sell fake goods (like testing best prepare for these changes? to complex questions and some Available from https://www.ucl.ac.uk/jill-dando- kits or COVID ‘cures’) has also Some potential crimes exposed by of the advice has been challenged. institute/research/covid-19-special-papers 2. And which crimes are increasing? been recognised by offenders. Beyond the immediate effects on crime, the pandemic are completely new. For Nevertheless in our field there is a Commercial burglary has increased the pandemic has affected policing example, conspiracy theories have substantial body of knowledge on in some areas as industrial estates These examples point to opportunities in general. Public health emergencies suggested that the pandemic may which to draw, and the pandemic remain empty and workers stay at for the police and research often test emergency plans to their have been a deliberate act by a hostile has provided a unique opportunity Some potential crimes exposed by the pandemic are completely new

46 47 Insights from Policing the Pandemic n8prp.org.uk

It could be argued that a COVID-19 – Predicting Crime ‘slower’ and more considered in a Pandemic World way of thinking may have Eric Halford proven more fruitful n March 2020 governments around the world restricted changes disproportionately affected the movement of people, using social distancing and lockdowns, vulnerable. These included an inability to reach ‘locked in victims’, partner to help stem the global coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. I agencies such as children’s social The effects of these measures on Police demand, crime and care struggling to monitor children capacity was an unknown. Over the following days and weeks on child protection plans and at the many predictions were made that leaned towards increases highest risk of harm, rises in anti-social in demand in online exploitation (The Guardian, 2020), rises behaviour and a lack of traditional diversionary avenues available to in violent gang crime (The Independent, 2020) and abuse quell such ASB to name a few. within home environments, most notably, domestic abuse and coercive control (Microsoft News, 2020; MEN, 2020). We now It is easy to say now, perhaps, but it understand how the lockdown restrictions have impacted Policing could be argued that a ‘slower’ and and we have come to understand that many of the predicted more considered way of thinking outcomes have not come to bare. This has led me to ponder may have proven more fruitful. Several strong predictions, backed by a few key questions; Why did we do this? Why were so many fundamental criminological theory predictions wrong? What can we learn from this experience? were made (Farrell and Tilley, 2020) and increase in positive outcomes in academic partners take place urgently. vulnerable victims in lockdown?”, when combined with mobility data domestic abuse cases as access to Considered and evidence based funded by a Coronavirus Pandemic: In the face of what was an degree, the absence of a considered (Google, 2020) could have provided safeguarding, refuges and expert predictions as to what is likely to occur Rapid Response Research Grant. unprecedented global epidemic, the approach to how a new Policing strong predictions on the impact of advice increased the level of co- should be made, and the necessary Knowledge from these vital research likes of which the modern world had environment would look and feel, and crime and demand in Policing. But how operation, especially from repeat realignment of capacity and capability projects will enable a significantly never experienced, it is understandable what capabilities and capacity where effective were Police and academic victims. Furthermore, multi-agency should be made to meet the predicted more evidence based response to to try and seek comfort and control required to meet it. Arguably, this collaborations at pro-actively pooling working with children’s social care increases of crime and demand. It’s Policing during future pandemics and by predicting what might happen was borne out of an understandable their knowledge and contributing has seen Police in areas of Lancashire not a time for ‘putting a finger in the as a result, reduce the risk and harm next. This is especially relevant in necessity to ‘do something’. However, to the emergency planning phase? help fill the gap in service provision as air’, otherwise we risk certain areas to the most vulnerable in society. policing where decisions around since the lockdown began research Doing so would have enabled a result of capacity reductions due to of business being overwhelmed and capacity and capability are the has been able to prove that the rapid research evidence reviews, shielding of staff. This has meant more as occurred at the outset of lockdown cornerstones of planning to meet impact on crime has been significant collaborative workshops between children on child protection plans it is likely the most vulnerable in our demand. Because of these reasons it (Halford et al, 2020), but not in the Policing, partners and Academia and communities will suffer. That is why Dr Eric Halford is Detective have been visited by professionals was hard to stop ourselves jumping to ways many predicted. By one week effective capability mapping against Lancashire have agreed to enter into Chief Inspector with Lancashire to ensure they are safe and well. intuitive thinking, myself included. In after the 23 March lockdown, it was evidence based predictions to take two distinct academic collaborations Constabulary. He has a PhD beginning to unpick these questions identified that in some force areas place. As the pandemic has progressed to research the impact and responses from the University of Central I saw a consistent theme. Many of all recorded crime had declined 41%, these relationships have gathered Hindsight is 2020 but it is highly to COVID-19. These include research Lancashire which examines these predictions were based on with significant decreases across a momentum and interventions put in likely that a post lockdown policing with the University of Leeds and the physical, offending and professional judgement, the views number of areas: shoplifting (-62%), place, including shifts in the capacity landscape could see this situation University College London into geographical characteristics and opinions of professionals within theft (-52%), domestic abuse (-45%), and capability of resources to meet repeat itself. Predictions are beginning “Reducing the Unanticipated Crime of foraging serial offenders. policing, politicians or the media. theft from vehicle (-43%), assault the identified hidden demand. In to emerge regarding the impact of Consequences of COVID-19”, funded Research has proven time and again (-36%), burglary dwelling (-25%) and Lancashire for instance, a multi- the removal of restrictions on crime by UK Research and Innovation, and that such ‘fast thinking’ is often burglary non-dwelling (-25%) (Halford, agency domestic abuse service was and Policing (Express, 2020). If the research with Liverpool John Moore’s References: flawed and inaccurate (Kahneman, Dixon and Farrell et al, 2020). Several implemented providing immediate experiences of the response to the University on “Police reporting, Halford, E., Dixon, A., Farrell, G., Malleson, N., and Tilley, N. (2020) ‘Crime and coronavirus: access to Independent Domestic implementation of lockdown is not 2020). The result of such predictions weeks after the lockdown it became recording and responses to domestic Social distancing, lockdown and the mobility was a flurry of contingency planning clear that unpredicted consequences Violence Advisor (IDVA’s) 7 days to be repeated it is essential that abuse in COVID-19: how can we best elasticity of crime’. SocArXiv, 12 May: to meet core services and to a large were beginning to take effect. These a week, resulting in an over 40% collaborations between the Police and safeguard the silent, repeat and most https://doi.org/10.31235/osf.io/4qzca 48 49 Insights from Policing the Pandemic n8prp.org.uk

N8 PRP will also be actively supporting a number of Covid-19 related N8 research programmes in response to the UKRI and ESRC Covid Funding Schemes

The N8 PRP’s Response to COVID-19 he COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the world of policing globally and across the North of England. TThe N8 partner forces have been on the front line of enforcing lockdown regulations and managing protest and other gatherings that have taken place during the pandemic, and have needed rapidly to adapt their own strategies, deployments and practices to take into account the various challenges posed. Academics from the N8 Universities have also been involved in advising the Government on the policing response, with a number involved in the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE), particularly in the SPI-B Behavioural Science Group and its Policing and Security sub-group.

N8 PRP responded to the crisis by including: ‘Responding to the Shadow launching its Policing COVID-19 call Pandemic’ (Sandra Walklate and Barry under its small research grants scheme. Godfrey, University of Liverpool), This will run alongside the annual small and ‘Reducing the Unanticipated grant call and will support awards that Crime Harms of COVID-19 Policies’ focus on the challenges posed by, and (Graham Farrell, Dan Birks and Nick lessons to be learnt from, policing the Malleson, University of Leeds with pandemic. N8 PRP will also be actively colleagues at UCL). Over forthcoming supporting a number of COVID-19 related N8 research programmes months we will be looking to support in response to the UKRI and ESRC further valuable research that COVID Funding Schemes. Two major enables policing to learn from recent projects have already been successful experiences of the pandemic and to in securing significant funds inform the post-COVID-19 recovery. 50 51 Innovation and Leadership n8prp.org.uk

Our fifth Tackling Knife Crime from forum has existing resources: Social been our most capital brought to life! successful Stephen Brookes to date

ur fifth Policing Innovation Forum was held at Goodison the development of the Violence Park, the home of Everton Football Club, and represents Reduction Strategy in Scotland, having joined the original Glasgow VRU in the first time that we’ve actually taken the forum to where O 2005. In his presentation, entitled the policing problem was being tackled, in situ. A packed forum ‘Beyond Symptom Management’, was privileged to hear from an impressive array of speakers he outlined an holistic approach to who have made a real impact on reducing the incidence of tackling knife crime that seeks to knife crime in Runcorn, Cheshire, through a true multi-agency address the complex causes of the surrounding buying and carrying action movement with a network undertaken by Cheshire Police problem, in which ‘education – in its knives and in changing attitudes of young healthcare volunteers and Everton-in-the-Community. approach through passion and dedication rather than government widest sense – is key to prevention’. funding. Delegates were also invited to attend a range of practical and behaviours. Everton-in-the- who provide safe spaces to explore Finally, the Joint Heads of the South community also led a workshop. The attitudes to violence and to empower Yorkshire Violence Reduction Unit, workshops that were predominantly led by impressive charities Sue Gregory who heads ‘Everton- social impact was clear for all to see young people to keep themselves and Superintendent Lee Berry and Rachel and a social enterprise focusing on working with young people in-the-community’ (and as host of and, as Karen Byrom (Corporate others safe. The second, led by Clare Staniforth led a workshop which at risk of knife crime (as both perpetrators and victims) through the forum) provided an inspirational Research and Analysis Manager McGregor, Founder of Coaching Inside considered and explored both the both education but also individual coaching. Dr Stephen Brookes, account of why the football club is for Cheshire Constabulary) said in and Out (CIAO), explored her charity’s’ challenges and opportunities of so much part of the community’s one of the leads for the PIF Innovation Forum along with Geoff response to a participant question on approach to coaching for children creating a Violence Reduction Unit response to this topical issue. This (VRU), drawing on the experience Pearson describes the Runcorn project as an excellent example the validity of the results, the project released from custody who have been was followed by the session led by had restored ‘trust and legitimacy’ involved in knife crime in Salford, of partnership activities across the Superintendent Sarah Health of of achieving mutual benefit which builds improves social capital within the community which is a Greater Manchester. Clare reflected county. Rachel reflected: “It was great Cheshire Constabulary supported in vulnerable communities. He also says that it is in keeping key component of Mark Moore’s on her involvement in the Forum: to share our learning so far with so by members of her team and other with the overall theme of vulnerability which has emerged as classical concept of demonstrating many partners. The event allowed partner agencies. Delegates heard us to make links and create contacts public value. This was very well “We can all make change happen a key policing issue for the forum over the last five years. This about an inspirational and innovative that we may have missed otherwise.” received by the delegates and the and N8 PRP’s cross pollination started in 2015 with cybercrime through to domestic violence approach in tackling knife crime by a presentation by Cheshire Constabulary with researchers and police greatly (2016), coercive control (2017), mental health (2018) and – in constabulary which did not qualify for Once again, our fifth policing showed how much can be achieved increases the impact of that. This Home Office funding due to the relative innovation forum has shown that both 2019– focused on the very challenging but topical issue of through dedication, passion and was an invaluable opportunity low level of knife crime. Cheshire has funded and non-funded activities can ‘tackling knife crime through multi-agency interventions’. collaborative endeavour in which a to develop practical ideas, as well one of the lowest rates of knife crime co-produce the collective leadership range of different agencies share their as using coaching to challenge in England, but statistics show that that is needed in tackling one of Stephen said: The forum began with a keynote resources in the absence of funding. our own assumptions about the number of serious knife offences society’s current ‘wicked problems’. “Our fifth forum has been our address from Will Linden Deputy which are committed in the county something we’d like to change.” most successful to date in terms Director of the Scottish Violence decreased by nearly 15 per cent from The purpose of the afternoon was to of encouraging discussion and Reduction Unit (VRU) which targets the year ending July 2018 to the year use an innovative conference design The third workshop was led by innovative research in relation to violence wherever it occurs whether ending July 2019. As well as deploying through a series of workshops that Queensbury APP who work with Dr Stephen Brookes is tackling knife crime through the it’s on the streets, in schools or in our both traditional and innovative focus on early intervention in several children at risk of expulsion from Senior Fellow at the Alliance inclusion of a range of workshops homes. Supported by the Scottish enforcement tactics, Sarah explained areas. This year, a number of third mainstream school and include Manchester Business School. in which other preventative and Government the unit has adopted how officers are working with partner sector and charities led workshops to early interventions aimed at young Until May 2020, he was a Deputy interventionist approaches can a public health approach, treating agencies such as community groups, show the real impact that this sector people who, through their behaviours Director of the N8 PRP and co- be explored from a multi-agency violence as an infection which can housing associations and Trading can bring. The first was street doctors, and choices, may be at risk of being lead of the Innovation Forum Strand of the Catalyst Grant. perspective. This year, the third sector be cured. Will drew on the experience Standards to educate young people led by John Valentine (Partnership involved in criminalised behaviour. played a key role in our forum”. of his long-term involvement with and other residents about the laws Manager), which is a youth social Queensbury support the work being 52 53 Innovation and Leadership n8prp.org.uk

aforementioned organisations, as well members are usually ‘consulted’ after We have recently been informed that as an Elected Member Reference Group the finished product is already on we were successful in our multi-agency Developing and Implementing with representatives from each local paper. We listened to our communities bid for a further £1.6m of funding for authority. We have spent over 50% of and asked them what they thought 2020/21. This presents some challenges our funding on early intervention and should go into it. We then went to as the funding is for a longer time a Violence Reduction Strategy prevention, through the provision of: our other partners and added their period (12 months, instead of 8) but is n Hospital and Custody Navigators (to views, to produce our strategy-on- excellent news for South Yorkshire. We Rachel Staniforth support those who receive a violent a-page. Once we had a draft, we are looking forward to seeing what can went back to the same community injury or who are arrested for a be achieved in partnership over the the N8 PRP Innovation Forum in late members to ask them whether we have n June 2019, the Home Office announced £35m of funding violence related offence, to make next 12 months and hopefully there will 2019 was directly about this theme represented their views correctly. This available for 18 police forces areas to establish violence positive changes in their lives), be more opportunities in the future and included contributions from the reduction units that would take a public health approach to method has been so successful – in to collaborate in this field across the I well-established and internationally n Assertive Outreach Workers (to strengthening relationships, providing north of England via the N8 PRP. preventing and reducing violence. Funding was allocated on the regarded Scottish Violence Reduction work with those who frequently rich information and ensuring that basis of hospital admissions for injury with sharp object. Police Unit and other work across the go missing from home), communities are at the heart of and Crime Commissioners were to bid for and oversee the funding, north of England in this regard. n A Community Violence Reduction the violence reduction unit – that Rachel Staniforth is Head Fund (which supported 25 we are planning to use the same in partnership with representatives from local authorities, police, of the South Yorkshire Analysing what drives violence is organisations to carry out model to produce our action plans. clinical commissioning groups (CCGs), youth offending teams, Violence Reduction Unit imperative. These are often ‘social preventative activity with established in 2019 education, voluntary, community and faith sector and probation determinants’ or ‘structural factors’ young people and adults), Further success comes from the Plan B services. A successful bid was made in South Yorkshire, with £1.6m and include things like: access n A Fortify fund (which provided Custody Navigator programme. In the of funding awarded in August 2019. A number of requirements to services, Adverse Childhood funding for partner organisations two months they have been operating, Experiences (ACEs), trauma, family accompanied the grant, including: production of a needs working to reduce serious the Plan B Custody Navigators have and social support, education (schools, assessment and problem profile (which we called area profile), and organised crime), engaged 34 detainees who had been colleges and universities), housing, arrested for a violence-related offence. development of a response strategy and a minimum of 20% of community cohesion, income, work n Mentors in Violence Prevention Twelve of these are receiving ongoing the funding to be spent on early intervention and prevention. and physical/mental health, all (which takes a bystander approach support from the programme. Out of which underpin people’s lives. and focuses on healthy norms), of this twelve, four have enrolled I was recruited to establish the unit violence. Our public health approach These drivers illustrate the need for n Domestic Abuse Matters with a college, five are receiving in July 2019. I am a public health takes the five common elements partnership working, especially with (training for frontline staff therapeutic trauma counselling professional, currently on a career outlined in the document . These our communities – the heart of our across South Yorkshire), and three have started new jobs. break from Public Health Specialty include prevention, data and evidence approach. The volatile, uncertain, n Shed Load of Cakes (aiming Training to be Head of the South base, looking at what causes violence, complex and ambiguous nature of to give people with previous A large part of our role is strategic Yorkshire Violence Reduction Unit. I taking a population level approach violence (and the causes of it) makes convictions fair employment leadership and direction setting. As have passed both membership exams and working together in partnership. collaboration across many professions at the living wage and support part of this, we held an event in for the Faculty of Public Health (DFPH and services essential. Each partner them to develop their skills), January 2020 to bring together over and MFPH) and am a member of the What this means, is that we start has access to different skills, levers 150 key stakeholders involved in n YOYO sport (providing faculty. I was joined by Joint-Head with the needs of the population and mechanisms to affect change. caring for looked after children, with What this sporting activities for young Lee Berry (Temporary Detective rather than individual people. the aim of improving processes and people), and more! Superintendent) at the end of August. Understanding the situation in each It has been our intention always to upskilling staff to prevent and reduce means, is that local area, from different perspectives start with the voice of communities missing episodes. The feedback from Our first task was to define what we (including that of our communities), across South Yorkshire, combining We have worked closely with our this was excellent and we now have we start with mean by a ‘public health approach’. is essential to enabling effective this with evidence of what works, to N8 partners and have submitted a South Yorkshire wide missing from The words have been used by targeting of resources and helping ensure a comprehensive approach that a bid for some funding to explore home and care protocol. Following on the needs of many, to mean different things. avoid unintended consequences reflects the reality of life in local areas. the use of knife crime imagery from this, we will be delivering four Luckily, just prior to the Home Office or assumptions. Skilled use and and impacts on young people. bespoke training packages on joint- announcement, Helen Christmas and interpretation of data and the evidence Since August, we have achieved so decision making for social workers the population Justin Srivastava published an excellent base is central to taking a public health much. We now have a fully operational One of our greatest successes are our and care workers, to help them better document A Public Health Approach approach. Using evidence based, ‘what team, including seconded staff from paid community working groups, understand and manage risk. This will rather than to Policing. The description of a ‘public works’ approaches, agreed at local each local authority. We have an where we paid community members mean that police contact with young health approach’ within it could be level, is key. This aligns really well with Executive Board established, chaired to provide input into our response people is minimised and the levels individual applied to anything, and formed the the priorities and work of the N8 PRP. by Dr Alan Billings, Police and Crime strategy, before we had developed it. of unnecessary criminalisation of basis of our approach to reducing It was good to see that the focus of Commissioner, with attendees from all This is extremely rare, as community children and young people are reduced. people 54 55 Innovation and Leadership n8prp.org.uk

It is increasingly important that we see policing as part of a wider system of public safety, collaborating much more extensively with others in order to achieve public safety goals A Strategic Review of Policing Rick Muir

he landscape in which the police operate has been of the shift in crime and harm in the same lines as recommended by Despite there being more empirical inspiring leadership. In order to transformed over the last twenty years. Since 1995, vehicle recent years requires a fundamental the 1962 Royal Commission on the research evidence than ever before, think about the challenge of police much of it increasingly being generated leadership in the 2020s, N8 PRP theft has fallen by 80%, burglary has fallen by 74% and rethink of the way society is policed. Police, even though there has been a T We need to think about what the huge shift in crime off the street and in this country, there remains a challenge and the Police Foundation will be violent crime by 72%. High levels of concern about anti-social appropriate role for the police should into an information space that pays of ensuring that the evidence is actually partnering in September this year on behaviour in local neighbourhoods has fallen by almost two be in areas like cyber-crime and the no regard to local or international informing operational police work. This a Police Leadership Symposium that thirds since 2002. In place of these traditional crime and disorder protection of the vulnerable, where jurisdictional boundaries. is the big challenge for Evidence-Based will explore what kind of leadership the issues the police face new and more complex challenges. Cyber- many other actors and agencies Policing in the years ahead: becoming police service will need as it looks to the future. The symposium will explore crime and fraud now make up 56% of all crime experienced in play an equally important role. In its second phase, the Review will also an intrinsic part of the police culture, such that there is an expectation how the police service should recruit its England and Wales. Reports of sexual assault have increased look at the police workforce and within It is increasingly important that we that the police service’s knowledge that officers (and their leaders and leaders, what skills and competencies by 180% since 2013 and reports of domestic abuse incidents by see policing as part of a wider system strategy. This is where the role of supervisors) should be aware of what the they will require and how they should 77% since 2016. The number of mental health flagged incidents of public safety, collaborating much organisations such as the N8 PRP evidence base says about their work. operate in an increasingly complex system of governance. If colleagues recorded by the police has increased by 28% since 2014. more extensively with others in order comes into play. In my view, Evidence- are interested in attending the event to achieve public safety goals. In the Based Policing will play a crucial part It seems to me that police force/ or receiving the written output from It is in light of these changes that look to the 2020s and 2030s. The prevention space, for example, it is clear in making sure that the police service university partnerships – like the it they can email stephen.walcott@ the Police Foundation has launched second phase of the Review will look that we need a much more systemic is as effective as possible at improving N8 PRP – are going to play a key role police-foundation.org.uk and access the Strategic Review of Policing in at what changes will be required approach to preventing crime and public safety. We need good quality in making this happen. Bringing information via the N8 PRP website. England and Wales, an independent to the police workforce, finances, harm, particularly that which occurs research evidence to complement the together academics and police inquiry into the future of policing partnerships, organisation and online and on platforms controlled professional knowledge that police professionals in a systemic rather chaired by Sir Michael Barber. governance so that the police service by overseas tech companies. officers develop on the job. Both the than ad hoc way is going to be crucial, can effectively meet these challenges. ‘science’ and ‘craft’ of policing should and that is why the work of the N8 Rick Muir is Director of In its first phase the Review has been We also need to consider the way in support and complement each other, PRP is so vital and pioneering. The Police Foundation looking at the nature of the public The Phase 1 report will be published which the police service is organised so that police professionals are as safety and security challenges facing in July 2020 and it has already and held to account. The police service well prepared as possible to meet the Meeting all of these challenges will policing, and the country, as we become clear to us that the scale is still structured along basically challenges of a more complex society. require agile, collaborative and 56 57 Innovation and Leadership n8prp.org.uk

These concerns were part of Legitimacy, Leadership a pattern of apprehensions and Governance associated with national Ian Shannon institutions within the he N8 PRP and the University of Leeds are sponsoring and concerns. Chief officers considered hosting a Police Leadership Symposium on 16th September that the one-to-one nature of the policing landscape oversight relationship was unhelpful 2020, thanks to a grant from Research England. This event is T and unduly weighted towards being organised in collaboration with the Police Foundation and the PCC and were anxious about aims to generate ideas to assist police leaders in responding to PCCs’ power to recruit and remove contemporary challenges. As a starting point to trigger discussions chief constables, which they saw a number of short papers are being commissioned. Amongst these as sometimes unfairly exercised. This contributed to chief officers’ is a summary of findings from my recent research, which used data perceptions of a diminution of their from interviews with chief police officers in England and Wales, to supposed ‘operational independence’. examine the ways in which they are overseen and given political direction (their governance), the affect this has on them and how Interviewees (including some chief constables) also felt that the this may make them act, and the implications this has for police of the marginalised, and challenge For deputy and assistant chiefs their based approach to police governance, legitimacy. This is important because what chief officers do, and relationship between chief constables and deputy chief constables and policies that neglect the priorities concerns include the impact that leadership and legitimacy. A report how they do it, is influenced by police governance arrangements. assistant chief constables has changed. of many people. This endangers chief constables and PCCs have on summarising the discussions and In turn chief officers, through their directions and behaviours, Deputy and assistant chiefs no longer legitimacy. Nonetheless, checks on their career trajectories. This area has conclusion of the workshop will be affect what more junior police attend to and the ways they do so have the potential support of a police chief officers’ power and performance received little attention and would published in collaboration with the Police Foundation on the N8 PRP and, as Ian Loader (2020) has argued, what police do and how authority or mentoring from HMICFRS, remain important in ensuring that benefit from further research. police are effective and legitimate. website towards the end of 2020. they do it largely determines police effectiveness and legitimacy. and some were concerned that their career prospects were contingent on Consequently, the following Finally, decisions about policing the immediate view of both their chief suggestions for police governance priorities are inevitably political but An overarching theme emerging since 2010 and suggested this allowed are offered for consideration by policy constable and PCC. This indicates that chief officers need protection against Ian Shannon QPM is an ESRC from the research was that chief it to exert influence, whilst evading the governance changes introduced makers, practitioners, and researchers. improper partisan influence. The officers worried about how they were responsibility and/or accountability. Post-Doctoral Research by the Police and Social Responsibility potential for such interference is not Fellow in the Centre for overseen and directed. Although, Others lamented changes to Her Act 2011 put too much emphasis on Firstly, the relationship between confined to PCCs, as the Home Office Criminal Justice Studies at the they stressed the importance of Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary the interface between the PCC and PCCs and chief constables seems remains influential, both directly University of Leeds. He served checks and balances in explaining and Fire and Rescue Services chief constable. Insufficient account unduly weighted towards PCCs. and, as Jones and Lister (2019) have as a police officer in London the right to exercise power (alongside (HMICFRS) and raised questions was taken of the potentially adverse Chief officers’ anxieties about this set out, by steering other national and Merseyside and from justifications concerning the law, about its expertise and independence. implications of these alterations for imbalance might be ameliorated by policing institutions. Consequently, 2005 to 2013 he was assistant consensual policing and protecting Equally, the Independent Office for all chief officer ranks and for their strengthening the roles of HMICFRS it is suggested that the indistinct chief constable, deputy chief people, particularly those perceived Police Conduct (and its predecessor confidence and effectiveness, and and Police and Crime Panels in concept of operational independence constable and temporary chief to be the ‘most vulnerable’). The the Independent Police Complaints consequently for legitimacy. relation to the powers and conduct of and its application should be revisited constable in North Wales. importance of these mechanisms, Commission) was a source of angst, as PCCs; more research would support by researchers and policy makers. they claimed, lay in providing chief officers questioned the quality of Overall, new governance arrangements deliberations about such changes. parameters for the use of power. its investigations and were unsure of its heightened chief police officers’ It is intended that these ideas and References intentions. And opinions concerning anxieties about their job security, Secondly, anxieties about police others will be discussed at the Police Jones, T. and Lister, S. (2019). ‘Localism and These concerns were part of a pattern the College of Policing were a mix of career prospects and operational governance are not confined to Leadership Symposium in September Governance in England and Wales: Exploring of apprehensions associated with annoyance, ambivalence, and support. autonomy. This saps their confidence chief constables, or to concerns and the proposals and thinking continuity and change’, in European Journal of Criminology, Vol. 16 (5): 552 – 572 national institutions within the and may lead to them failing to resist about PCCs. Chief officers of all generated by this event will inform the policing landscape. Many chief officers, However, the relationship between partisan and political demands to ranks worry about their oversight by Police Foundation’s Strategic Review Loader, I. (2020). Revisiting the Police Mission, London: Police Foundation, https:// for instance, expressed exasperation Police and Crime Commissioners encroach on civil liberties, prioritise national institutions in the policing of Policing in England and Wales and policingreview.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/ with a distancing of the Home Office (PCCs) and chief officers raised most the needs of the powerful over those landscape and their political direction. contribute to building an evidence insight_paper_2.pdf accessed 01/05/2020 58 59 Innovation and Leadership n8prp.org.uk

The study identified how Police Use Of Body Worn officers journeyed from Cameras: An Ethnographic Study such a sceptical position Of Frontline Police Work In A to embracing BWCs Time Of Technological Change Declan Falconer

hen I began my research for my N8 PRP funded PhD, The study identified how officers could have substantial implications body worn cameras (BWCs) were rapidly gaining a journeyed from such a sceptical for how the cameras are perceived position to embracing BWCs. It and used. I hope that my research, great deal of media and academic attention as a ‘new W explored how a combination of the in offering novel insights on how technology’ in policing. While they had previously been piloted in material properties of the cameras, officers adopt new technologies, Plymouth as far back as 2006, substantial investment across the and the policy context governing their can prove useful in navigating police in Britain, and elsewhere, saw many forces move to equip use, allowed officers to embrace the the developments which follow. their frontline officers with the latest version of the technology. technology as enhancing, rather than Support for BWCs was widespread, both from within and beyond disrupting, their working routines and practices. It provides insights Declan was first involved the police as a wide range of benefits were envisaged from reduced into what this means for the use of in conducting policing complaints, better evidence gathering and more efficient justice BWCs in police-public encounters research in the run up to the and how officers have adapted outcomes to greater transparency and increased accountability. formation of Police Scotland, their behaviour, in small ways, for Now, as I come to the end of my PhD, BWCs have become the while completing his MSc in new normal – reported not as an innovation but an expectation. managing new prospective audiences. Criminology and Criminal Beyond these visible impacts on Justice at the University of My research looks at how frontline uniformed officers in West encounters, consideration is also Yorkshire Police (WYP) experienced this period of technological Edinburgh. He has since given to the increased emotional worked across the public sector, change by exploring the impact of BWCs on their everyday work. labour of policing ‘on camera’. It is from the Home Office to the revealed how officers embracing British Parliament and has a Through the established links of the more ‘backstage’ regions of police work of the technology is contingent on longstanding interest in policing, N8 PRP, I was able to work closely with during the time between encounters. their maintaining time ‘off camera’ technology and how change WYP, gaining access to the working to recharge from the demands of is experienced by those on world of frontline officers to conduct My approach of ‘putting in the hours’ police work. Such findings provide the frontline of organisations. an ethnographic study. In total, I spent with the same teams paid off as officers timely insights not only into how It was these interests, and over 600 hours observing frontline were able to grow accustomed to my BWCs have influenced police-public the opportunities presented officers, in both neighbourhood and presence and many confided that they encounters but also into how this new by the strong links between response teams across two districts, were happy that I was seeing what technology has been adopted and academia and practice forged and conducted 28 semi-structured policing was ‘really all about’. In line implemented by those on the frontline. by the N8 PRP, that drew Declan interviews towards the end of my time with much existing research around to undertake his PhD at the in the field. In taking this approach I new technologies in policing, most However, while BWCs have University of Leeds where he has committed to embedding myself in officers confessed that they were transitioned into an accepted part of also enjoyed teaching at both the teams I studied and so followed initially hesitant to use BWCs. They the everyday ‘kit’ of frontline policing, undergraduate and masters level. their shift patterns as much as possible. explained how they lacked faith in the technology does not stand still. Consequently, I not only observed the ‘real reasons’ why BWCs were Already forces are moving to adopt a great number of police-public introduced and were doubtful that models with expanded features, encounters across early, late and night they, as the frontline users of the including automated activation and shifts but also became embedded in the technology, would actually benefit. live streaming functionality that 60 61 Innovation and Leadership n8prp.org.uk

There must be efforts to challenge the stigma around mental health and alcohol problems in police officers Alcohol And Mental Health: Reducing Stigma And Harm In Uk Police Officers Patricia Irizar

ue to the stressful nature of policing, police officers have depression and anxiety, also frequently Understanding the extent of heavy groups, such as military personnel, forces. Academic research is needed a greater risk of suffering from mental health problems, co-occur with heavy alcohol use. drinking in UK police officers is vital, as in response to academic research to determine whether UK police According to the self-medication research from armed forces personnel recommendations . However, recent officers are an occupational group compared to the general population. There is a well- D hypothesis, alcohol is sometimes showed that they were less likely to interviews with UK police officers found at increased risk of alcohol harm, so established relationship between mental health problems used to relieve negative symptoms seek both formal and non-formal help that the “macho” culture of policing that tailored alcohol interventions and heavy alcohol use or alcohol problems, putting police of a mental health problem, or as an for alcohol problems, compared to prevented officers from disclosing can be implemented, if needed. officers at greater risk of alcohol problems. However, there is a attempt to forget about traumatic other mental health problems (Stevelink their mental health problems, through dearth of research exploring alcohol use in UK police officers. experiences. Several studies have et al., 2019). The police service is male fears that they would appear weak and shown that drinking to cope is a key dominated, like the armed forces, so because of negative comments from Patricia Irizar is a doctoral Understanding consumption of alcohol and other drinking motivation for alcohol use, particularly police officers may also be less likely colleagues (Edwards and Kotera, 2020). researcher at the University of behaviours (e.g. binge drinking) in police officers is vital to ensure in those with a mental health problem. to seek help for an alcohol problem. This stigma prevents police officers Liverpool affiliated to the N8 that interventions are in place to prevent alcohol harm. Research According to the Home Office, police from getting the early interventions PRP. Her PhD is funded by the Despite police officers being an officers who test positive for alcohol that they need, to prevent long-term suggests that there may be higher levels of stigma around Economic and Social Research in a breath test are disciplined, which mental health problems. Without formal seeking help for mental health problems in male dominated occupational group at risk of Council and Alcohol Change UK. may prevent them seeking help, help, police officers may be more occupations. Workplace education and signposting is needed developing mental health problems and comorbid alcohol problems, through fears of losing their job or likely to use alcohol to self-medicate, to ensure that police officers receive the help they need. there is very little research into being ostracised by their peers. which could lead to alcohol problems. References: alcohol use in UK police officers. A Davey, J.D., Obst, P.L., and Sheehan, M.C. The UK relies upon police officers to stress disorder (PTSD) (University of large Australian study showed that There must be efforts to challenge In the UK, there are many campaigns (2001) ‘It Goes with the Job: Officers’ insights provide support and protection for Cambridge, 2019). Moreover, due to the level of heavy alcohol use in the stigma around mental health and aimed at reducing the stigma around into the impact of stress and culture on alcohol the public. Police officers are trained recent budget cuts, police officers police officers was double that of the alcohol problems in police officers, and mental health problems, particularly consumption within the policing occupation’, now face greater job demands and Drugs: Education, Prevention and Policy, 8: 140-149. to operate under high pressure Australian general population, and a first step is to conduct robust research for men, who are three times more Edwards, A.-M., and Kotera, Y. (2020) ‘Mental Health situations and are frequently exposed less control than ever, which has an those who reported high stress were to identify what proportion of the likely than women to die by suicide. in the UK Police Force: a Qualitative Investigation to traumatic situations during work. adverse impact on mental health. more likely to drink heavily (Davey population are likely to meet criteria for But stigma still seems to be a major into the Stigma with Mental Illness’, International This frequent trauma exposure appears et al., 2000). There is an considerable heavy drinking and alcohol problems. issue for police officers. Workplace Journal of Mental Health and Addiction, 1-19. Stevelink, S., et al. (2019) ‘Do serving and to put police officers at a high risk of There is an abundance of evidence evidence showing high levels of Stigma surrounding mental health education, within police forces, ex-serving personnel of the UK armed forces suffering from poor mental health showing the link between PTSD and alcohol problems in UK armed forces problems appears to have lowered in should focus on reducing the stigma seek help for perceived stress, emotional or and well-being, with a recent study heavy alcohol use, suggesting high personnel, and due to occupational recent years, predominantly in response around mental health problems and mental health problems?’ European journal showing that, in police officers who comorbidity (multiple conditions similarities, such as frequent trauma to a number of high profile media and alcohol problems. Signposting to local of Psychotraumatology, 10(1): 1556552. University of Cambridge (2019) ‘Police workforce: have been exposed to a traumatic event, occurring together). Similarly, common exposure, it is plausible that police public health campaigns, with specific mental health and alcohol services almost one in five suffer with a form of PTSD’. one in five will develop post-traumatic mental health problems, such as officers show similar levels. programmes tailored to occupational should be available through all police Retrieved from https://www.cam.ac.uk/policeptsd 62 63 Innovation and Leadership n8prp.org.uk

N8 PRP in Numbers

Successful Value of new new/follow of research grant Collaborative PhD grant awards awards studentships 27 £6m 9

New linked Number of Linked peer collaborative PhD Knowledge reviewed academic Exchange Fellows publications studentships and Interns 8 11 15

Recent Key Publications Bacon, M., Shapland, J., Skinns, L. and White, A. (2020) ‘Uneasy alliances? Developments in police-academic partnerships’, Evidence & Policy.

Barlow, C., Johnson, K., Walklate, S. and Humphreys, L. (2020) ‘Putting Coercive Control into Practice: Problems and Possibilities’, British Journal of Criminology, 60(1): 160-79.

Davies, P., Rowe, M., Brown D.M. and Biddle, P. (2020) ‘Understanding the status of evidence in policing research: reflections from a study of policing domestic abuse’, Policing and Society.

Crawford, A. (2020) ‘Societal Impact as “Rituals of Verification” or the Co-production of Knowledge?’, British Journal of Criminology, 60, 493–518.

D’Souza, N. and L’Hoiry, X. (2019) ‘An area of untapped potential? The use of restorative justice in the fight against serious and organized crime: A perception study’, Criminology and Criminal Justice.

Crawford, A., (2020) ‘Effecting Change in Policing Through Police/Academic Partnerships: The Challenges of (and for) Co-production’, in K. Bullock, N. Fielding and S. Holdaway (eds) Critical Reflections on Evidence-Based Policing, London: Routledge, 175-197. 64 65 Get in touch https://n8prp.org.uk

Events and Communication Coordinator: Oliver Abe [email protected] +44 (0) 113 343 7041

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