On 3 June 2025, the executive team from the Crime Science Center visited Lincolnshire Police in the city of Lincoln, United Kingdom, to study the operational model of a local police agency driven by Evidence-Based Policing (EBP). The visit also explored how the police systematically develop academic partnerships with universities.
The delegation was welcomed by Chief Superintendent Kate Anderson, Head of Local Policing and Prevention, along with police officers from various departments. According to Lincolnshire Police’s presentation, the force has developed a “research development mechanism” in policing that includes identifying research priorities through community panels, assembling academic teams to evaluate proposals, conducting literature reviews, and designing methodologies based on national research repositories such as the ARI Database and the College of Policing. Internal police data is shared and researchers are paired with operational officers, ensuring that research directly informs practice. This approach not only addresses localized crime problems but also fosters an organizational culture of inquiry—one that encourages asking, “Why?” and “How can we do better?”
The Thai delegation also gained insights into the operations of the Prevention Department, which focuses on systemic crime reduction strategies such as Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED), alcohol licensing regulation, and reducing anti-social behavior. These efforts were piloted in collaboration with local government, businesses, and community groups and led to a significant decrease in anti-social behavior and alcohol-related offenses in a short timeframe.
Dr. Carina O’Reilly from the University of Lincoln presented collaboration models between police and academia in the UK. These include the “problem-solver” model—where universities support problem analysis initiated by police—and the “co-producer” model, where both parties co-develop knowledge. Dr. O’Reilly emphasized that successful collaboration requires mutual trust, cultural understanding between academia and practice, and clearly shared long-term goals.
Dr. Matt Bland of the Society of Evidence-Based Policing (SEBP) introduced various knowledge platforms and initiatives aimed at promoting a culture of evidence use in policing. These include the EBP101 course, a VDO library, and the Knowledge Bank, all of which provide members with access to up-to-date research and best practices.
The Crime Science Center team also met with Jack March, Director of Technical Operations at the UK’s National Counter Terrorism Policing. He discussed the Regional Innovation Network and the role of the UK in advancing national security research—especially within the Eastern Region where Lincolnshire Police operates.
This visit highlighted the crucial role of the Crime Science Center in serving as a bridge between academic knowledge and real-world policing. It also underscored the importance of establishing clear and sustained “collaborative mechanisms” between operational units and academia. Such mechanisms allow law enforcement agencies to develop crime prevention strategies that are rooted in research and evidence—not merely based on experience or instinct.
This collaboration between the operational and academic sectors is key to enhancing the quality and effectiveness of law enforcement, enabling agencies to respond swiftly and effectively to emerging societal challenges.
