Quantitative research is generally preferred, but sometimes it is difficult to know which interventions are mainly responsible for changes in particular statistics, such as a crime rate decreasing over a period of time
Besides just looking at the numbers, how could a police department obtain information on what works?
Often qualitative information is extremely helpful in evaluating what works. A helpful strategy for police departments is self reporting from the criminals themselves. Although some apprehended criminals may choose not to disclose much information, a surprising number of criminals will confess and then give a wealth of information to police. The key is for the investigator to ask. Many types of crimes are now better understood because of self reporting, including pedophilia, sexual assault, and serial killing. The learned information is utilized in theory development, profiling, and crime control. Numbers alone can't give the kind of information that is needed for external validity (relating what works in one place with what might work in other places or with other crimes).
You might also like to view...
A discussion of potential targets of terrorist attacks generally distinguishes between soft and hard ________________________
Fill in the blank(s) with correct word
What are some of the illegal activities in which gangs are becoming increasingly involved today?
What will be an ideal response?
The trial courts of the federal system are called ________.
Fill in the blank(s) with the appropriate word(s).
What are the four areas that need to be examined in order to fully understand the impact of unions on a community? How do they impact the community?
What will be an ideal response?