NCJ Number
169569
Date Published
1992
Length
30 pages
Annotation
This discussion of police effectiveness concludes that police agencies should not focus on crime rates or quota systems for police activities as measures of police performance; instead, they should use program evaluation.
Abstract
Counting traffic citations or variations in crime rates may result in a vague measure of police activity, but it lacks a clear connection to larger programmatic goals. In contrast, program evaluation helps agencies avoid the activity trap. Evaluation research can enhance service delivery and provide a mechanism through which police agencies can experience planned change. Police agencies should use comprehensive evaluations as the model for program evaluation. Comprehensive evaluation enables the enlightened police leader to go beyond proactive change and become responsive to the environment, exercising a positive influence to enhance the delivery of services that will meet specific needs. 45 references