For decades, leaders in the criminal justice field have emphasized the importance of measuring the effectiveness of law enforcement policies and practices because understanding the various approaches that agencies employ to handle contemporary issues can either inform or validate a current or proposed course of action. It is important to rigorously evaluate policing practices to identify those that are effective and to facilitate the exchange of data and research between the policing community and academia. Data, when analyzed and translated into knowledge and insights, can drive better, more informed decision-making. The IACP is committed to supporting the enhancement of law enforcement policies, practices, and programs through the Research Advisory Committee, Center for Police Research and Policy, and the Institute for Community-Police Relations.