Street robberies, substance abuse, repeat violent offenders and gun violence are the realities faced by police every day in communities throughout America. However, strategies and innovations honed over the past decade that are grounded in the use of research and technology have helped police departments dramatically improve outcomes for the communities they serve.

Many of these advancements are the direct result of a 10-year effort called Strategies for Policing Innovation (SPI) spearheaded by the federal Bureau of Justice Assistance working with 57 law enforcement agencies and CNA, a Washington-based, non-profit research organization.

A new report by CNA, “SPI: Reflections on 10 Years of Innovation,“ set for release this month, provides an in-depth look at the strategies and innovations participating police departments have put into place. It examines if, how and why they have been effective in reducing violent crime, homelessness and substance abuse.