UC Irvine

This dissertation delves into the role of evidence-based policing (EBP) strategies in three law enforcement agencies in California: the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), California Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST), and the Anaheim Police Department. The three-project dissertation explores how EBP is operationalized in different contexts through randomized controlled trials (RCT) and evaluations. Project one with the LAPD analyzes a RCT of officer threat perceptions of citizens during the COVID-19 pandemic; project two with California POST evaluates a state-mandated supervisor training for newly promoted sergeants; and project three presents preliminary results from a RCT on procedural justice training for patrol officers in the Anaheim Police Department. Drawing upon a synthesis of academic literature and empirical research, this collection of projects investigates diverse implementation strategies employed in different policing contexts, shedding light on the challenges and successes encountered. By summarizing theoretical insights with practical applications, this dissertation contributes to the ongoing discourse on EBP implementation strategies.