The Network Effect: Using Science to Build Better Police Forces

Abstract

This article argues that many persistent policing challenges are driven less by formal rules than by informal social networks among officers. Using network science, departments can map hidden relationships within their workforce to identify influential officers, isolated individuals, and tightly knit subgroups that shape behavior and norms. Leveraging existing administrative data, this approach allows leaders to intervene earlier, improve policy adoption, reduce problematic behaviors such as excessive force, and manage culture more effectively by addressing how officers actually connect and influence one another in daily practice.

Marie Ouellet

Assistant Professor

Sadaf Hashimi

Assistant Professor

My research interests include policing and policy, peer influence and crime, and violence prevention and intervention efforts.