Problem-Oriented Policing and problem solving
Helping organisations identify, analyse, and reduce complex crime and demand problems using evidence-based methods
What is Problem-Oriented Policing?
Police forces and partner agencies are expected to reduce demand, prevent harm, and demonstrate measurable impact. Problem-Oriented Policing (POP) provides a proven framework for tackling the recurring problems that generate the greatest demand, rather than continually responding to individual incidents.
POP is an organisational approach that focuses on identifying, understanding, and addressing recurring crime, disorder, and harm problems through evidence-based decision making. Some of the hallmarks of a problem-oriented organisation include:
A commitment to preventing crime, disorder, and harm
Evidence-based decision making using data, analysis, and research
Recognition that investigations and enforcement remain important, but primarily represent activity (outputs) rather than success (outcomes)
Strong partnership working to address underlying causes rather than symptoms
A willingness to test innovative responses and evaluate what works
Problem solving is the structured process organisations use to tackle recurring problems. Within policing, the most common model is SARA (Scanning, Analysis, Response, Assessment), or its variant OSARA (which includes Objectives).
POP provides the philosophy, whilst problem solving provides the process. Together they enable organisations to move from reacting to incidents towards preventing future harm.
Why CCEBP?
We have extensive experience supporting organisations at both the tactical (developing and delivering Problem Solving Plans) and the strategic level (embedding POP). Our team has supported police forces, government departments, and partner agencies across the UK and internationally to strengthen both organisational POP capability and problem solving.
We tailor our support to each organisation's needs, combining academic expertise with operational policing experience to ensure evidence-based principles are practical, proportionate, and achievable.
Our expertise includes:
Developing and refining Problem Solving Plans
Reviewing and evaluating Problem Solving Plans, including national Tilley Award applications
Delivering training for frontline officers, supervisors, and senior leaders
Auditing organisational POP capability and providing tailored recommendations for development
What do we offer?
We provide flexible support packages to help organisations strengthen problem solving capability and embed POP. Services range from one-off workshops to long-term organisational development programmes
Case study- Home Office consultancy
Since 2025, CCEBP has supported the Home Office on several national POP programmes aimed at strengthening problem solving across police forces. Our support has included:
Supporting several forces with the creation and development of Problem Solving Plans, specifically relating to knife crime, violence, and acquisitive crime
One such Problem Solving Plan was shared across numerous forces as a good practice example
Auditing of two forces on their POP performance, focusing on barriers and opportunities, and producing tailored recommendations which led to multiple role creations and process changes
Running online webinars to educate police forces and partners on the core elements of problem solving knife crime
Refining Home Office guidance used to support police forces delivering national problem solving programmes
Case study- UK Police force
We frequently support individual organisations with tailored packages. One police force commissioned a bespoke package comprising:
A tailored three-day on-site training course for problem solving specialists, analysts, and supervisors
A workshop for senior leaders on embedding problem solving within their own departments
A workshop for prevention staff, ensuring they understood the role of problem solving in their day-to-day work
Wider consultation on embedding problem solving, including how to record, review, and evaluate Problem Solving Plans
Case study- International Police force
CCEBP has also supported the implementation of POP internationally. One project included:
Online training and discussions for Problem Solving Plan practitioners
An in-person visit involving training senior leaders and a workshop-style delivery to practitioners
Developing recorded training resources to support long-term organisational capability
Regular online meeting with the project team to advise on live project matters and the long-term sustainability of the project
Our services include:
Training
In-person courses held in Cambridge (including a 5-day POP course)
Dedicated online courses (including a new POP course launching late 2026)
In-person training for your organisation
Live online webinars, with recordings available
Training tailored to practitioners, specialists, analysts, supervisors, leaders, and partners
Problem Solving Plan development
Developing Problem Solving Plans (including problem definition refinement, data analysis, response generation, theory of change development, and evaluations)
Enhancing Problem Solving Plan evaluations (including control groups and statistical testing)
Facilitating problem solving workshops for current problems being tackled
Reviewing Problem Solving Plans, providing targeted and proportionate feedback and direction
Organisational development
Tailored support to embed POP across an organisation
Conducting organisational POP audits, considering performance, challenges, and opportunities, with targeted recommendations
Support developing governance, performance frameworks, and strategy/policy documents
Problem Solving Plan template and recording advice
Preparing organisations to meet HMICFRS expectations for prevention and problem solving
Any questions?
Whether you're developing a Problem Solving Plan, embedding POP across your organisation, or designing bespoke training, we'd be happy to discuss how we can help. Please get in touch today: