NCJ Number
72971
Journal
Journal of Police and administration Volume: 8 Issue: 3 Dated: (September 1980) Pages: 253-264
Date Published
1980
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This article discusses problems in measuring police agency performance and outlines the Police Program Performance Measure (PPPM) which measures both effectiveness and productivity by outlining police activities to reflect objectives.
Abstract
In the past, police administrators have used extensive review schedules, public opinion surveys, and other methods to construct performance measures, but these methods have not adequately defined what an officer or whole department ought to be doing. Police should be held accountable for a broad range of activities and duties, including meeting legal, governmental, and public expectations; executing department policy and meeting goals; and ensuring that individual officers meet behavioral goals and perform duties. Further, police must be productive. A model performance measure framework, the PPPM, allows police departments to measure their effectiveness and productivity. It contains a model goal structure, including such items as crime control, public service, and administration, with specific objectives for each item. Performance measures are then constructed to reflect the objectives. Productivity is measured by assessing resources as needed to achieve objectives. Other topics covered for PPPM include establishing measurement procedures, including computation rules, determining performance standards, and using measurement tools; and measuring and reporting performance. The PPPM is claimed to be realistic, valid, and reliable. Footnotes, charts, and tables are included.