Abstract

Evidence-based policing (EBP) posits that police practices should be based upon evidence from research, and those in policing should be trained to value and utilize sources of knowledge, research, practices, and experiences. Set within the national and international context of EBP and volunteer policing, this paper explores whether volunteer police officers, called special constables (SCs) in England and Wales, are aware of EBP, integrate EBP into their volunteering and the evidence sources utilized. The findings, from a sample of SCs volunteering in England and Wales, demonstrate that over half of respondents have heard of EBP, a significant number suggest regular use, yet some are either not sure or do not use EBP. SCs are expected to take part in similar frontline roles as their regular police colleagues, with the same policing powers and responsibilities. The paper concludes though that EBP is integrated into regular officer training but training of SCs in the adoption of EBP seems more limited. This research is one of the first to examine the adoption and understanding of EBP by volunteers within policing.