NCJ Number
79915
Date Published
1978
Length
586 pages
Annotation
A 'cafeteria' of tools for measuring police effectiveness and productivity is presented.
Abstract
Forty-six sets of technically adequate field-tested measurement tools are included. Sets are classified according to five common police functions: crime prevention, crime control, conflict resolution, general services, and administration. Each classification begins with a textual examination of the nature of the objectives and other measurement tools contained in the sets of the classification. These examinations focus on the innovative, unique, or atypical dimensions of the objectives in the sets, along with how using them should produce more useful measurement of police effectiveness and productivity. The sets of tools constitute the remainder of each classification. Each set contains one objective, one or more measures, instructions, and performance standards. An objective is a precise statement of an outcome police hope to achieve. One outcome objective, normally possessing the attributes of measurability, achievability, and quality, introduces each set of tools. For each objective, at least one effectiveness measure is provided. Immediately following each measure is an instruction to be used to compute the measure. One or more performance standards complete each set of tools. Each set contains for different types of performance standards: (1) internal norm, which compares the level of value of performance achieved in a current measurement period with the average achieved during a preceding baseline period; (2) internal trend, which compares the rate of change in the level or value of performance achieved in a current measurement period with the rate of change during a preceding baseline period; (3) external norm, which compares the level or value of performance achieved with the average achievement of other similar police departments; and (4) external trend, which compares the rate of change of performance with the average rate of change in other similar departments. Forms used in the measurement are included. (Author summary modified)