NCJ Number
132266
Journal
Police Journal Volume: 63 Issue: 3 Dated: (July-September 1990) Pages: 193- 207
Date Published
1990
Length
15 pages
Annotation
An analysis of performance measures related to policing services discusses the viability of planning and delivering police services in an economic and effective manner.
Abstract
The non-discretionary response services of policing are those which are provided in response to urgent and important public demands of an immediate nature. By analyzing the major geographical sources of demand and the nature and time of majority demands, the elements of public demands on police can be identified and prioritized. Once the priorities for the public have been evaluated and related to the police agency's statutory legal obligations, police resource deployments can be planned. Once effective operational street procedures and efficient support services have been established, economic decisions on "value for money concepts" can be made. However, the author notes that the better the quality of police service provided, the faster public demand will outstrip police resources. The "More for Less" approach to policing is suited to a reactive service, while "Total Quality of Service" is more appropriate for a consultative preventive service. The most cost effective police service would feature a less discretionary structure, while an increased preventive police service would require extra initial investment. 10 figures and 12 references