Problem-solving Approach

The process for developing an implementing crime and disorder strategies is cyclical and consisting of these main elements:

• Audit

• Consultation

• Strategy Development

• Implementation

• Monitoring and Evaluation.

This process is known as the problem-solving (or problem-oriented) approach. The research “Not Rocket Science? Problem-solving and crime reduction (Police Crime Reduction Series 2000” http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/prgpdfs/crrs06.pdf sets out that, in practice, this means:

• making use of data to establish the existence and extent of a problem

  • to analyse its nature and source,

  • to plan intervention measures to reduce it, and

  • to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the selected response (whether the interventions have worked, whether they have produced their effects in the expected way, and whether

  • there have been any significant (positive or negative) side-effects

• drawing on findings from existing research to inform data analysis and choice of responses

• applying informed lateral thought in developing innovative solutions, and using feedback in decisions to adjust, expand, abandon, and maintain initiatives.

The terms ‘problem-solving’ and ‘problem-oriented’ approach are often used interchangeably and broadly refer to the same process. The term ‘problem solving’ is used in the Toolkit because it better reflects the contribution that all agencies can make.