We titled this volume The Future of Evidence-Based Policing, because in it we sought to take stock of where the field of EBP has been and where it is heading. In this concluding chapter we address the latter question, and make the argument that the future of EBP as a meaningful paradigm with substantial influence on police practice lies in a better science of policing. Based on the contributions in our volume, we identify and elaborate on six key areas where improvement in the science of policing is required. These include “second generation” studies, the quality and breadth of scientific methods, comparative research, the science of street level behavior, implementation science, and normative dimensions.

Evidence based policing has become a key perspective for practitioners and researchers concerned with the future of policing. This book provides both a review of where we stand today with evidence based policing, and consideration of emerging trends and ideas likely to be important in the future of evidence based policing. It includes comparative and international contributions, as well as researcher and practitioner perspectives. While emphasizing traditional evidence based methods and approaches, the book also identifies barriers to the advancement of evidence based policing. It also expands the vision of evidence based policing by critically examining ethical and moral concerns and questions. The book’s main focus is not on what has to happen in police agencies to advance EBP, but rather on an issue that has received far less attention - the science that is necessary to produce for EBP to be successfully integrated into policing.