What does evidence-based policing emphasize?

Evidence-based policing emphasizes the importance of utilizing research and data to inform and guide law enforcement practices. This approach aims to bridge the gap between research and policing by ensuring that officers and departments are using the best available evidence to make decisions and implement strategies.

By relying on data and research findings, law enforcement agencies can identify effective practices, allocate resources more efficiently, and address crime and public safety concerns in a manner that is proven to work. This method promotes accountability and transparency within the police force and allows for continual assessment and improvement of policing strategies based on empirical evidence.

In contrast, the other options do not align with the principles of evidence-based policing. Using intuition alone lacks the support of data-driven insights, while solely focusing on community opinions may overlook crucial evidence that can shape policing strategies. Historical practices can be informative but may also lead to outdated methods that are not effective in today's dynamic environment. Thus, evidence-based policing stands as a forward-thinking approach that prioritizes informed decision-making over subjective or anachronistic methods.