Reducing Crime #82 (Loren Atherley)
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Apr 28, 2025 Loren Atherley, Senior Director of Performance Analytics & Research at the Seattle Police Department, champions evidence-based policing through data curiosity. He discusses the vital role of ‘pracademics’ in bridging research and practice. Loren emphasizes the gradual implementation of advanced analytics, underscoring the need for caution and empathy in reforming policing practices. He highlights the impact of engaging dashboards in fostering innovation and explains how integration with human intuition can enhance crime reduction strategies in the digital age.
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From Small Town to Policing
- Loren Atherley grew up in a small town in Washington State with limited professional opportunities.
- He initially aimed to be a criminal profiler but shifted career plans after realizing limited job prospects.
Consent Decrees and Data Curiosity
- Seattle PD's consent decree was foundational for building evidence-based policing.
- It fostered data curiosity and set the stage for sustained analytical improvements within the department.
Hire Pracademics for Change
- Hire pracademics who blend rigorous methodology with practical policing experience.
- Engage them to produce analytical products quickly and stimulate data curiosity in the department.