This document has been produced by the NPCC Prevention Coordination Committee with the support of the Police Chief scientific Adviser to help improve the quality and quantity of economic analysis in policing and wider crime reduction approaches.

Authors Professor Stuart Kirby and Professor Nick Tilley have written this guidance as an introduction to economic analysis in policing, with the intention of equipping practitioners with a wider understanding of economic analysis using credible and consistent methods, whilst also highlighting common pitfalls.

In essence this advice is not provided for economists or those who have already developed skills in the subject. Those interested in more advanced approaches are advised to explore more sophisticated texts, which are referenced throughout this document. This guidance is an initial step, and it is expected further investment in training and evaluation tools will be provided in the future.