Impact of the Kansas City Preventive Patrol Experiment on Modern Policing

The Kansas City Preventive Patrol Experiment left a lasting impact on law enforcement strategies, shaping the way police departments approach routine patrols. This post will explore the broader implications of the study’s findings for modern policing.

Rethinking Resource Allocation

One of the primary lessons from the experiment is the need for smarter resource allocation. If routine patrols are not as effective in reducing crime as once believed, police departments must consider alternative strategies such as community policing, intelligence-led policing, or problem-oriented policing.

Evidence-Based Policing

The rigorous methodology of the Kansas City experiment set a precedent for evidence-based policing. Law enforcement agencies are increasingly reliant on empirical data to inform their strategies, a trend that this experiment helped to catalyze.

Community Relations

Contrary to the belief that increased police presence would improve community sentiment, the study found no significant impact. This has led to a greater focus on community engagement as a more effective way to build trust between the police and the public.

Technology and Policing

While the study was conducted in a pre-digital age, its findings have relevance in an era where technology plays a significant role in law enforcement. Modern policing tools like predictive analytics and facial recognition technology could be more effective deterrents than traditional patrols.

Policy Implications

The findings of the study have influenced policy decisions, prompting law enforcement agencies to review and modify their patrol strategies. Many departments have diversified their approach, incorporating specialized units focused on specific types of crime.

Training and Development

The Kansas City experiment also highlighted the importance of training. If routine patrols are not inherently effective, the onus is on training programs to equip officers with a broader set of skills and approaches.

Global Impact

The study’s findings have been cited not just in the United States but also globally. Police departments around the world have looked to the Kansas City experiment as a reference point for their own strategies and training programs.

Conclusion

The Kansas City Preventive Patrol Experiment may have been conducted over four decades ago, but its implications are still felt today. By questioning established norms and employing rigorous methodology, the study has influenced a shift toward more intelligent, data-driven policing strategies.

• Cover Image © Kansas City Police Historical Society
• Kelling, G.; Pate, A.; Dickman, D.; Brown, C (1974). “The Kansas City preventive patrol experiment: A technical report“. Police Foundation.