Conclusions

This chapter returns to address the seven points of concern with EBP outlined in Chapter  2 . The findings from the research presented in the book are used to address these seven points of concern and offer comment and explanation. The chapter also suggests that this book extends debates in three key areas: on the role of criminological knowledge and its use by the state, especially in policing; on EBP itself; and on the impact this book has for evidence-based policy considerations in other policy areas outside of policing. The chapter concludes that EBP is a political project doing political work, sharing a DNA with—and so extending and reinforcing—discourses of managerialism and neoliberalism, rather than a neutral scientific project for policing improvement it claims to be. For this reason, EBP excludes, silences and ‘others’ more critical interventions about policing that offer greater hope of improving social justice for the marginalised. In light of this, and the harmful effects of burgeoning neoliberalism, the chapter argues EBP should be abandoned as a project so that alternatives might emerge that promote more progressive futures for policing and the public.