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Implementing an Agency-Level Performance Measurement System: A Guide for Law Enforcement Executives

NCJ Number
214439
Author(s)
Stacy Osnick Milligan; Lorie Fridell; Bruce Taylor
Date Published
April 2006
Length
65 pages
Annotation
Designed to assist police managers who want to develop a comprehensive measurement and accountability system in their agencies, this report provides guidance on the Police Executive Research Forum's (PERF's) performance measurement system and presents a case study to illustrate the challenges a department might face when implementing such a system.
Abstract
There are three major components of the PERF performance measurement system: performance expectations, measures, and accountability structures. Performance expectations pertain to three law enforcement outcomes: community safety and security; perceptions of safety and security; and confidence, trust, and satisfaction with law enforcement. PERF developed a number of survey and nonsurvey measures that agencies can use to determine their progress toward these three outcomes, as well as an additional construct of community health. PERF's case study of its performance measurement system involved the Prince William County Police Department's (Virginia) process of developing, implementing, and maintaining the system. The case study illustrates how one agency identified and used specific measures of performance relevant to the needs and resources of a particular agency. The case study describes a proven process of creating a strong performance measurement culture within a county. A 23-item bibliography