NCJ Number
17467
Date Published
Unknown
Length
19 pages
Annotation
DESCRIPTION OF THIS DECISION-MAKING TECHNIQUES WHICH MAY BE USED TO EVALUATE THE MANHOUR OR COST EFFECTIVENESS OF THE POSSIBLE SETS OF DECISIONS WHICH THE POLICE CAN ADOPT IN CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS.
Abstract
THE DECISION TREE APPROACH MAY BE USED TO HELP DECISION-MAKERS IDENTIFY THE CHOICES, RISKS, GAINS, AND GOALS FACING THEM. USING THIS TECHNIQUE, CALCULATIONS MAY BE MADE TO SHOW HOW DETECTION SUCCESS RATES VARY WITH THE AVAILABLE EFFORT (COST) PER CRIME FOR DIFFERENT DEPLOYMENT STRATEGIES. A SAMPLE APPLICATION OF THIS TECHNIQUE TO THE INVESTIGATION OF A HOUSEBREAKING IS PROVIDED. THE TRAINING AND OPERATIONAL ROLE THIS APPROACH MAY HAVE IS DISCUSSED, AND APPLICATIONS TO THE ASSESSMENT OF THE COST EFFECTIVENESS OF NEW EQUIPMENT ARE EXAMINED. THE USE OF DECISION TREE THEORY IN ASSESSING THE EFFECTS OF CHANGES IN THE RULES GOVERNING POLICE OPERATIONS IS ALSO CONSIDERED. (AUTHOR ABSTRACT MODIFIED)