FORWARD THINKING THE APPLIANCE


OF SCIENCE ON THE FRONTLINE


With police officers nationwide facing unprecedented pressure and demand, Thames Valley Police has turned to behavioural science to help reshape policing


Thames Valley Police Superintendent Felicity Parker has been tasked with introducing a Behavioural Science Unit to support frontline officers in making better decisions and develop exceptional habits at critical times. This might sound like a policing pipe dream to some critics, but the new Behavioural Sciences Unit could offer exactly that kind of structure to police officers, making them better prepared and equipped for the unrelenting demands of the job. A police officer for 19 years, Supt Parker


has worked as a detective inspector, detective chief inspector and, more


16 | POLICE | DECEMBER 2022


recently, a Commander in Berkshire. Her roles in protecting vulnerable people and safeguarding ensure she is well aware of the demands faced by those on the frontline.


“This will go all the way down to what student officers are doing; everyone needs to understand what the principles are for evidence-based policing and how we can apply that.”


So why behavioural science, and why now? “We had a former colleague, a chief superintendent, who was really championing the power of what could be done in this area, and we had the opportunity of working with Ogilvy – a


private company specialising in behavioural science,” explained Supt Parker. “I got involved because I was victim care lead in Thames Valley, so it was a very good opportunity to try new techniques. “This is absolutely about how you understand your people, how you can connect with them and get your messages across in the


right way to ensure they make better decisions and create better habits.” The unit went live in November and sees


Supt Parker leading a team of three people. “We are a big force and we do want to make sure we are leading in this area,” continued Supt Parker. “This will go all


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