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Six Trends to Watch in American Policing in 2026

The National Policing Institute has released a new brief highlighting six key trends shaping American policing in 2026. From workforce shortages to rising security risks and rapid tech adoption, the report outlines major challenges ahead. Read the full analysis to see why 2026 will be a pivotal year for public safety leaders.

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The systems that can fail: Six vulnerabilities to address before major events

Police1 has released an article highlighting six critical systems that can fail during major events. It encourages public safety officials to enhance planning, coordination, and infrastructure to avoid disruptions and maintain security. The article stresses proactive strategies in technology, communication, and emergency response to protect communities before large gatherings.

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The Current State of Traffic Enforcement

The Police Executive Research Forum has published a new report on the rise in traffic fatalities and approaches to improve safety. Drawing on insights from police leaders and safety experts, it highlights enforcement, roadway design, and community partnerships as key to reversing deadly trends.

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Managing Critical Incidents and Mass Demonstrations: Building Trust Through Preparedness and Restraint

Managing protests and critical incidents requires both preparation and respect for constitutional rights. This InFocus article from the National Policing Institute outlines practical strategies for de-escalation, communication, and accountability. It shows how agencies can strengthen trust while keeping communities safe.

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Evaluation Guide: Considerations for Crisis Response and Intervention Training (CRIT) and Crisis Response Program Evaluations

The International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) and the National Policing Institute (NPI) developed a comprehensive guide designed to help law enforcement agencies and their partners plan, implement, and enhance evaluations of crisis response programs and training initiatives.

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Generalized Stop and Frisk is Not the Answer: Improved Strategies for Violent Street Crime Reduction

The National Policing Institute has released a new OnPolicing Blog post by Michael R. Smith and Jim Burch, exploring three alternative strategies to stop, question, and frisk. The authors discuss how the alternative strategies could impact efforts to reduce violent street crime.

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New Blog Post: Building a (Police) Field of Dreams with Implementation Science

This OnPolicing blog explores how implementation science can help police agencies move beyond trial-and-error and toward sustainable, evidence-based innovation. Drawing on frameworks like EPIS and CFIR, the post outlines practical strategies for planning, executing, and sustaining change—from mental health response programs to officer wellness initiatives. It also highlights the importance of building trust, engaging stakeholders, and tailoring innovations to local contexts. For police leaders, implementation science offers a roadmap to lasting impact.

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Harmful Organizational Stress in Policing: Can It Be Prevented or Reduced?

The National Policing Institute has published a compelling new entry on its OnPolicing Blog, spotlighting the critical issue of organizational stress within law enforcement agencies. The post explores the definition and impact of organizational stress, why it matters, and offers practical strategies for mitigating its effects.

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Charleston Police Department and Fairfax County Police Department Named First Knowledge and Innovation Host Sites for the Law Enforcement Knowledge Lab

The National Law Enforcement Knowledge Lab is proud to announce the Charleston Police Department (SC) and Fairfax County Police Department (VA) as the inaugural Knowledge and Innovation Host Sites. These agencies will serve as national models for best and innovative policing practices in two critical areas of law enforcement.

Charleston Police Department has been selected as a Host Site for Recruitment and Retention, showcasing strategies that strengthen workforce sustainability, officer engagement, and efficiencies in the recruitment process. Fairfax County Police Department will serve as a Host Site for Use of Force, highlighting approaches to force review, and continuous improvement in use of force practices through a robust internal agency review process.

The Knowledge Lab is a first-of-its-kind resource hub that supports public safety by identifying and disseminating the most effective and innovative policing practices. Through these Host Sites, the Lab will facilitate peer learning, technical assistance, and strategic guidance to help agencies across the country elevate their performance. Additional Host Sites are forthcoming, offering learning opportunities for agencies focused on mass demonstration response, crime and violence reduction, criminal investigations, public transparency, and several other core practice areas.

These Host Sites represent the Knowledge Lab’s commitment to building safer communities through a foundation of excellence. By spotlighting agencies that are leading the way, the Lab aims to accelerate learning and impact across the field.

More information on how agencies can engage with and learn from these Host Sites will be available in the coming months. Agencies interested in accessing resources or requesting assistance can visit https://leknowledgelab.org or contact the Knowledge Lab team at leknowledgelab@policinginstitute.org.

The Columbus Model: Crowd Psychology, Dialogue Policing and Protest Management in the U.S.A.

This article examines the implementation of a dialogue-led protest policing model in Columbus, Ohio, based on the Elaborated Social Identity Model (ESIM). This framework, titled Public Order and Public Safety (POPS), incorporated dialogue, de-escalation, and graded tactical employment into its process.

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Latest Resources

Visit the Knowledge Lab's full resource index

Guidebook/Tool | 2024

Preparing Law Enforcement Agencies for Embedded Clinicians

  • Community Trust and Partnerships
  • Mental Health and Crisis Response

Report | 2023

Dispatching Community Responders to 911 Calls

  • Crime and Violence Response
  • Community Trust and Partnerships
  • Mental Health and Crisis Response
  • Responding to Mass Critical Incidents

Guidebook/Tool | 2023

911 Dispatch Call Processing Protocols: Key Tools for Coordinating Effective Call Triage

  • Mental Health and Crisis Response

Guidebook/Tool, Webpage | 2023

Community-Driven Crisis Response: A Workbook for Coordinators

  • Community Trust and Partnerships
  • Mental Health and Crisis Response

Guidebook/Tool | 2023

Law Enforcement Response to People with Developmental Disabilities: Steps for Deflection or Pre-Arrest Diversion

  • Community Trust and Partnerships
  • Mental Health and Crisis Response

Guidebook/Tool | 2023

Rethinking the Police Response to Mental Health-Related Calls: Promising Models

  • Community Trust and Partnerships
  • Mental Health and Crisis Response

Report | 2023

Evaluating the Utility of Sobering Centers: Analyses of Police and Sobering Centers Across Five Jurisdictions

  • Crime and Violence Response
  • Community Trust and Partnerships
  • Mental Health and Crisis Response
  • Stops, Searches, and Arrests

Research Brief | 2023

A Research Summary of ‘Assessing the Impact of Crisis Intervention Teams: A Review of Research’

  • Community Trust and Partnerships
  • Mental Health and Crisis Response
  • Use of Force

Empowering Law Enforcement Excellence

A Beacon of Guidance at the National Law Enforcement Knowledge Lab

Explore targeted areas such as crime and violence reduction, use of force accountability and early intervention, and recruitment and retention. Elevate your agency's performance with our guidance and support.