Evidence-Based Policing (EBP) is the practice of using the best available information to inform policing procedure, practice, and decision-making. WRPS has a long history of applying this approach to organizational decisions. This commitment was formalized in the 2024-2027 Strategic Business Plan under Our Commitment to Safety: Base Actions on Evidence).
Since 2018, WRPS has promoted academic partnerships to advance EBP by encouraging both member-driven research ideas and externally-driven research proposals. To date, we have partnered with researchers from more than 20 different post-secondary institutions, with 30 completed studies with findings shared with WRPS. By maintaining a continuous research pipeline, WRPS supports a steady flow of new insights.
We continue to recognize the significant opportunity that collaboration with researchers provides to expand our understanding of what works in policing. This knowledge helps guide current and future approaches, both local and across the policing sector. Expanding our knowledge base supports informed decision-making and helps us make a positive difference for our member and the community we serve.
Alignment with Strategic Priorities
To support a consistent and mutually beneficial experience, WRPS has developed a standard approach to academic partnerships that is grounded in our organizational values. We welcome research proposals that focus on:
People
Research focused on the safety and wellbeing of community members and WRPS members.
Examples include: member wellness & psychological health; recruitment & retention; crisis intervention; community trust & legitimacy; youth, victim, & vulnerable population supports
Partnership
Research focused on cross-organizational and cross-sector partnerships to enhance service delivery and community safety.
Examples include: Waterloo Region Community Safety and Wellbeing Plan priorities (mental health and addictions, intimate partner violence and gender-based violence, combatting hate, reconciliation); Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion initiatives; Community/Youth Engagement Officer programing; community relationship building; and other collaborative approaches to community safety.
Professional Excellence
Research focused on improving service delivery and member experience through innovation and governance.
Examples include: leadership approaches; intelligence and crime analytics in crime prevention; implementation of digital technologies; tactical resourcing; police perceptions of danger
Benefits of Academic Partnerships
We seek to invest in academic partnerships that produce tangible benefits for WRPS, the Region of Waterloo, and the broader policing sector.
Internal Benefits
By working with academic partners, WRPS strengthens feedback loops related to EBP, and fosters a culture of continuous learning. Community benefits include enhanced accountability and transparency, as well as greater alignment between service delivery and recommended practices. Research findings have been used to evaluate initiatives and inform changes to procedure and practice.
External Benefits
Academic partners gain opportunities to better understand the practical realities of policing, train students using real-data and fieldwork, explore the application of their findings, and advance knowledge that can be shared with academic communities and the policing sector.
By bridging the academic-practice gap, we are better positioned to identify solutions to shared challenges and make evidence-based decisions. The result is enhanced service delivery and improved community safety.
Application Process
WRPS has created a streamlined process for reviewing proposed academic partnerships. All proposals will require the following documentation:
- A Request for Research Form [Request for Research Form]
- A Memorandum of Understanding [Download the Memorandum of Understanding]
- Proof of REB approval will be required before research with human participants is initiated.
We recommend submitting the Request for Research for review and endorsement before revising the Memorandum of Understanding. WRPS is particularly interested in research that uses robust methodologies and produces practical insights aligned with organizational values and priorities.
Questions and completed materials can be sent to: Strategic Planner, Amanda Franceschini.