New strand to YEF toolkit – Problem-oriented policing

The Youth Endowment Fund have just added a new strand to their toolkit which aims to provide evidence of effectiveness for different approaches in safeguarding.

The new strand is Problem-oriented policing (POP) which aims to cut crime by tackling its root causes, using a structured approach (SARA model: Scanning, Analysis, Response, Assessment) to create custom solutions. While often used in high-crime areas, POP can also be applied to specific people or recurring crime, and is typically delivered by police working with local community partners.

On average, POP is likely to have a moderate impact, as research suggests it can reduce violent crime by 24%, particularly when it supports children at greater risk of involvement in violence, and when it uses evidence-based interventions that focus on building social and emotional skills, supporting mental health, and strengthening relationships.

Implementation relies on data-driven decisions, local adaptation, strong partnerships, police buy-in, and evidence-based interventions.

Click here to find out more about the POP strand and the toolkit.