Between Medicine and Criminology

Twenty-one Mental Models That Can Change Policing goes beyond traditional police leadership books by teaching practitioners to think about policing in a structured, evidence-informed way. Using a Mental Model framework, the book synthesizes criminological theory, statistics, research design, applied research, and evidence on what works in policing to simplify complex concepts. Readers gain a deep understanding of how cognitive biases affect interpretation of data, how empirical research guides effective interventions, how statistical information should be structured for management, and how to evaluate programs for efficiency and impact. While evidence-based practice is important, sustainable change in policing requires a scientifically grounded framework that minimizes bias and supports informed decision-making. The Twenty-one Mental Models provide a practical roadmap for police, public, and community leaders, as well as scholars, students, journalists, and citizens, to understand data critically and make better decisions for their communities.

Key Features:

• Introduces a Mental Model framework for structured thinking in policing
• Explains how cognitive biases impact data interpretation and decision-making
• Integrates criminological theory, statistics, and applied research
• Offers guidance on structuring and analyzing data for management meetings
• Provides tools to evaluate policing interventions for efficiency and effectiveness
• Designed for a wide audience: law enforcement leaders, students, policy experts, journalists, and citizens
• Empowers readers to make evidence-informed decisions and better serve their communities