NCJ Number
89962
Date Published
1980
Length
256 pages
Annotation
The usefulness of computer models for assessing the effectiveness of the police in handling the growing number of telephone calls for assistance from the public is examined.
Abstract
The Dutch police have been faced with the problem of an increased number of calls for assistance. Their existing system must be modified to meet this demand. In choosing whether to devote their efforts to improving management practices, redistributing manpower and personnel resources, or eliminating tasks, police agencies used computer models. The 22 largest municipal police departments and a department of the Royal Constabulary cooperated in the project. The study describes methods used to determine user needs, the relationships of the planning process to the effectiveness of the assistance system, the theory behind the models used, a practical examination of models (the Calculas model, the Patrol Car Allocation model, the Hypercube/PODS model, the Patrol Car Allocation model, the Hypercube/PODS model, the Superb model) and conclusions. The study concludes that models are an aid in planning. The stage of planning at which the models are most useful depends on a variety of factors, including the stage of police reorganization of the police force in question. Extensive appendixes, tables, and graphs are included.