New research commissioned by the Office of the Police Chief Scientific Adviser (OPCSA) is shedding light on the significant contribution policing makes to the UK economy.

Led by Professor James Rockey at the University of Birmingham, the study explores the economic value that policing delivers to businesses and local economies. While policing is often viewed through the lens of crime reduction and public safety, this research examines its wider impact on business activity, investment and economic growth.

The findings suggest that every £1 invested in policing generates £10.70 in economic benefit to local businesses and business areas. The research also highlights the costs that crime creates for businesses, including direct losses, higher insurance premiums, increased spending on security measures and reduced investment in areas perceived as unsafe.

The study further estimates that a 10% increase in community policing could generate an additional £7.7 billion in annual business output, underlining the important link between public safety and economic prosperity.

To explore the findings in more detail, OPCSA and the Society of Evidence Based Policing (SEBP) will host a webinar on Wednesday 9 September from 11:00am to 12:00pm. The session will examine what the evidence means for policing practitioners and discuss the relationship between policing and local economic health.

Find out more

• Register for the webinar: Book your place
• Join the SEBP Members' Hub: Sign up here
• Read the full report: Access the research

This webinar is open to anyone with an interest in evidence-based policing, policing research and the role policing plays in supporting thriving communities and local economies.