Conducting Research
In Unit 1, you explored the value of research in public safety, with an emphasis on how failure to adhere to the scientific method can introduce results that undermine public safety. In this discussion, you will continue examining research by finding examples of qualitative and quantitative research used in public safety. You will need to find 1 example of qualitative research and 1 example of quantitative research, each of which led to changes in practice.
The specific steps are as follows:
- Engage in independent research by finding and presenting 1 example of qualitative research and 1 example of quantitative research used in criminal justice agencies.
- Write a 3-paragraph post introducing this research to your classmates.
Answer:
- Qualitative Research Example: An evaluation of community policing programs in New York City
In the 1990s, New York City implemented a community policing program in response to rising crime rates. The program aimed to improve relationships between police and residents in high-crime neighborhoods, with the goal of reducing crime and improving public safety. In order to evaluate the success of this program, researchers conducted qualitative interviews with residents and police officers in participating neighborhoods. They found that residents felt a sense of empowerment and increased trust in the police, while officers felt that the program helped them better understand the community’s needs and concerns. Based on these findings, the city expanded the program and continues to use community policing as a key strategy for promoting public safety.
- Quantitative Research Example: The effects of police body-worn cameras on use of force
Police departments around the world have been exploring the use of body-worn cameras as a way to increase transparency and accountability in policing. To assess the impact of these cameras, researchers conducted a large-scale, randomized controlled trial in which some officers were equipped with cameras while others were not. The researchers found that officers wearing cameras had significantly fewer incidents of use of force compared to officers without cameras. This research led to widespread adoption of body-worn cameras by police departments, with the goal of reducing the use of force and promoting safer interactions between police and the public.
In conclusion, these examples demonstrate the importance of both qualitative and quantitative research in improving public safety through criminal justice agencies. By using both approaches, researchers are able to gain a more complete understanding of complex issues and make informed decisions about how to promote public safety. Through ongoing research, criminal justice agencies can continue to evaluate and improve their practices, ultimately leading to better outcomes for both the police and the communities they serve.
