NCJ Number
206952
Journal
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 73 Issue: 4 Dated: April 2004 Pages: 12-21
Date Published
April 2004
Length
10 pages
Annotation
This article reviewed the Compstat Process, a management plan used by police to control crime.
Abstract
The Compstat process, pioneered by former New York City police commissioner William Bratton and his management team after he assumed control in January 1994, is based on the principle that by controlling serious crime, police are better prepared to maintain order and solve problems in the promotion of public safety. The process of the Compstat model is to collect, analyze, and map crime data and other essential police performance measures on a regular basis and hold police managers accountable for their performance as measured by this data. It helps create a management structure that keeps everyone focused on the core mission. Any size department can benefit from Compstat. Compstat centers around four crime-reduction principles: accurate and timely intelligence, effective tactics, rapid deployment of personnel and resources, and relentless follow-up and assessment. As an agency reengineers to support Compstat, the chief and his executive managers must set specific objectives, driven by the four core principles of Compstat. Once an agency sets the objectives, it can use Compstat to ensure that the accountability is fixed and the desired results are achieved. The Compstat process creates a management structure that allows law enforcement agencies to control crime and disorder in their communities.