From 13-16 July, the Institute of Criminology hosted the 2026 Evidence-Based Policing Conference at the Faculty of Law, chaired by Professor Barak Ariel.
The conference theme, ‘Beyond Borders: Evidence-Led Solutions for Global Crime and Policing Challenges’, was chosen to reflect the growing international importance of evidence-based approaches to contemporary policing challenges. A total of 41 academics spoke at the conference, discussing a diverse array of subjects related to global crime and policing. These ranged from the role of artificial intelligence and machine learning to counterterrorism, proactive policing, and safeguarding.
Professor Lawrence Sherman was invited to give the keynote address, as one of the key figures in developing the concept of evidence-based policing. He spoke about ‘Policing by Consent with AI: The Crucial Role of Evidence-based Dialogue’. In his view, the future of AI in policing by consent will depend on good evidence that it works, is proportionate, and understandable to the public.
Research and innovations presented in Cambridge that week will spread rapidly to many other forces that are already building their analytic capacity.
Professor Lawrence Sherman
This year’s conference also marked the 30th anniversary of the Institute’s Police Executive Programme - the MSt in Applied Criminology and Police Management. For three decades, this MSt course has provided senior professionals in policing and security with a grounding in evidence-based practice, as well as allowing them to conduct their own research into pressing issues in their field. Countless alumni have testified to having more confidence in their work as a result of their participation, with the course helping them to identify the most effective methods of tackling crime, reducing harm, and improving safety. To celebrate this milestone, the Institute welcomed Professor Sir Anthony Bottoms, the founder of the Masters programme in Applied Criminology and Police Management.
On 14 July, the Institute also hosted a drinks reception, followed by the conference dinner, both at Clare College.
Professor Lawrence Sherman, who led the MSt programme for fifteen years, remarked that, “this conference was a reminder to both the UK and the world that evidence-based policing is increasingly central to meeting rising demand with declining resources.
“Research and innovations presented in Cambridge that week will spread rapidly to many other forces that are already building their analytic capacity. We should all thank Professor Barak Ariel and his team for the breadth, depth and likely impact of those discussions.’’