College of Policing online practice bank a ‘runaway success’
An online ‘practice bank’ set up exactly one year ago by the College of Policing to share innovative work has been declared a “runaway success” after publishing its 100th submission.
The problem-solving bank, which was launched in March last year, is a central resource for sharing new and promising practice. It now features 100 examples from police forces and other organisations on how to reduce crime and improve policing.
Since launching, 200 contributors from 42 organisations have combined to share their latest innovations by successfully submitting entries to the bank.
It was developed to encourage police forces and all organisations interested in reducing crime to accelerate the spread of innovation across the service by making it easier to publish, access, adapt and test new and promising practice.
Submissions span a wide range of crime and policing challenges, from tackling anti-social behaviour, serious violence, and prolific offending, to building trust and confidence in policing and improving how forces respond to the public.
The practice bank has attracted more than 50,000 website views, with viewers spending an average of over 13 minutes viewing information. Since the launch date, the three most viewed practices have been ‘Clear, Hold, Build’, ‘Panic alarms for domestic abuse victims’, and ‘Inclusion moments’.
College of Policing director of What Works, Rachel Tuffin OBE, said: “We launched the practice bank one year ago as a much-needed, one-stop-shop for police forces and crime reduction partners to share initiatives.
“It has been a runaway success, with 100 practice examples already shared on the bank in a short space of time, and many more in the pipeline. We could not be happier with the response we have had from contributors, and for the commitment they have shown by sharing their own innovations and learning from those of others.
“Their efforts will help us grow the evidence base of what is promising, and what works to prevent crime and keep people safe. I want to say a massive thanks to everyone we have worked with, and we look forward to continuing and growing this collaboration for many years to come.”
The practice bank also includes examples linked to the College of Policing’s ‘smarter practice’ (the most promising initiatives on top priority challenges), His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services inspection reports, the Tilley Awards and Police Science, Technology, Analysis and Research (STAR) funded practices.
Organisations and individuals can share a prospective practice bank example via the College of Policing’s online submission form.