OnPolicing Blog

When most people think about police work, they picture TV scenes—high-speed chases, arrests, and traffic stops. But behind the scenes, police leaders and researchers are working to answer bigger questions: What truly works in policing? Does it improve public safety? Does it support officer wellness?

That’s where the National Policing Institute comes in. Since 1970, NPI has conducted law enforcement studies to uncover the best practices for officers and communities. Think of NPI as the part of policing that tests strategies—so departments can make evidence-based decisions instead of guesses.

Why Evidence-Based Policing Matters

Imagine if your favorite football team never studied game footage. They’d repeat the same plays, hoping for different outcomes. Without evidence-based policing research, departments risk wasting resources, losing community trust, and burning out officers.

Policing today is complex. Crime evolves, technology advances, and communities expect more transparency. Officers face long hours, high stress, and real danger. That’s why research-backed solutions are critical.

Landmark Studies That Changed Policing

• Kansas City Patrol Study (1970s): This groundbreaking research debunked the idea that more patrol cars automatically reduced crime. The findings reshaped patrol strategies nationwide.
• Hot Spots Policing: Instead of spreading officers thin, NPI research showed that focusing on crime “hot spots” yields better results. This crime prevention strategy is now a standard practice.
• Shift Length Study: NPI found that 10-hour shifts—rather than 8- or 12-hour shifts—often improved officer wellness, rest, and work-life balance.

These police research studies not only challenged myths but also helped agencies adopt data-driven policing strategies.

How NPI Shares Its Findings

Research has little impact if it stays on the shelf. That’s why NPI focuses on turning studies into action:

• Publishing plain-language guides and reports.
• Offering training to officers and leadership teams.
• Sharing real-world case studies of what worked—and what didn’t—in other jurisdictions.

By doing this, NPI ensures that police departments nationwide benefit from proven practices instead of reinventing the wheel.

Addressing Today’s Challenges in Law Enforcement

• Recruitment and Retention: Departments nationwide are struggling to recruit and retain officers. NPI studies what works to attract and support qualified candidates.
• Technology and Innovation: From body cameras and drones to AI-driven tools, NPI helps agencies test whether new tech actually improves safety, transparency, and efficiency.
• Building Community Trust: Research on respectful policing and community engagement shows that how officers interact with the public is as critical as what they do.

By focusing on these key issues, NPI supports 21st-century policing strategies that build safer, stronger communities.

The Big Picture: Constant Improvement in Policing

At its core, the National Policing Institute is committed to improving policing practices through evidence, innovation, and collaboration. It’s not about overnight perfection—it’s about steady progress.

When police departments adopt research-based strategies, they create safer conditions for officers, strengthen community trust, and deliver better public safety outcomes.

“Excellence in policing is not a destination—it is a commitment.”