Cheaper, Faster, Better: Expectations and Achievements in Police Risk Assessment of Domestic Abuse

The widespread introduction of risk assessment tools and procedures for domestic abuse has promoted expectations that such activities can be quickly administered in the field, be of high quality, and be sustainable in the face of increasing demand. Despite the considerable achievements that have been made, this article argues that police risk assessment of domestic abuse remains under-theorized and, in the British case, under-researched. Furthermore, research has tended to focus on the validity of tools to the detriment of identifying effective systems and procedures. This article ultimately questions whether ‘cheaper, faster, better’ is feasible for police risk assessment, and suggests some avenues for reform.