Evidence-based policing or reflexive policing: a commentary on Koziarski and Huey

Abstract

ABSTRACT This paper comments on a recent article by Koziarski and Huey in which the authors argue for the adoption of an evidence-based approach within policing. While we generally agree with the argument that police reform is an ongoing need of professional policing, we disagree that solely “evidence-based policing” is the solution within this approach. In our commentary we argue, that police reform should be underpinned and driven by reflexivity. As the key component of professional policing reflexivity accounts for the underlying assumptions of policy and practice on an individual and organisational level. Taken from a reflexive stance towards evidence-based policing, reflexive policing sheds light on its very assumptions and, by doing so, provides police officers and police organisations with alternatives for the professional management of police-citizen interactions.