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The very specifically named institution at George Mason University landed in the news this week for its announcement that Charles Ramsey, former chief of the Metropolitan Police Department, was being inducted. With the assistance of Dr. Cynthia Lum, criminology professor at GMU, The List answers every question you never knew you had about the Evidence-Based Policing Hall of Fame.

1. How does the Evidence-Based Policing Hall of Fame determine what policing is “evidence-based?"

   Lum explains that “evidence” has nothing to do with what criminals leave at the scene of the crime (fingerprints and DNA and the like) but testable data about whether or not a police strategy works.

2. Who gets to be in the Evidence-Based Policing Hall of Fame?

   People who have facilitated rigorous, scientific testing of police work and its effectiveness.

3. What are some of the accomplishments of inductees to the Evidence-Based Policing Hall of Fame?

   Lum cites a cop in Redlands, Calif. who found beat policing ineffective and got rid of it, a move she describes as “really radical.”

4. How prestigious is the Evidence-Based Policing Hall of Fame?

   So far the Hall of Fame has yet to reject a nominee. But the inductees have all been nominated by “famous police scholars” and have strong records of encouraging research. The Hall of Fame also enjoys international reach with a constable from the UK and a commissioner from Australia in the ranks.

5. What perks do inductees to the Evidence-Based Policing Hall of Fame enjoy?

   “No perks at all," says Lum. "You’re rewarded by the knowledge that’s generated by research.” Inductees do, however, receive some sort of plaque or statue.

6. Can I go to the Evidence-Based Policing Hall of Fame?

   Not presently. “It’s a virtual hall of fame,” explains Lum.

7. Does the Evidence-Based Policing Hall of Fame plan to open a physical location anytime soon?

   “Wow,” says Lum. “That’s, ahhh, … we’re a really small unit. Probably not at the moment.”