Communicating public health approaches in policing for the frontline in the UK

This article is related directly to the Seventh International Conference on Law Enforcement & Public Health (LEPH) held in Ottawa, Canada in July 2025.

Abstract

Calls for collaboration between public safety, policing and public health are now well established. Creating a shared
understanding of what a public health approach is and how it applies to policing requires a common language. This has proved elusive, partly because it is often explained using technical terms that are familiar to experts and academics, but not to most people. This project sought to develop clearer communications on public health approaches in policing. Based on consultations with policing in the UK and centring prevention as the core theme, we propose a four-step approach that includes the following: (1) stating the problem (“too many people are being drawn into crime”), (2) explaining the problem (“this is because the building blocks of a safe and healthy society are not in place”), (3) illustrating solutions (“policing can help put these building blocks in place”) and (4) showing change is possible (using examples). We conclude with some challenges, limitations and next steps to mobilize the narrative.