NCJ Number
228249
Journal
THE POLICE CHIEF Volume: 76 Issue: 8 Dated: August 2009 Pages: 36,38,40,42
Date Published
August 2009
Length
5 pages
Annotation
In explaining how the CompStat process can be applied to any large or small law enforcement agency, as well as any civilian organization, this article outlines four principles for managing crime reduction through the CompStat process.
Abstract
CompStat, short for "Computer Comparison Statistics," is a multifaceted system for managing police operations. CompStat functions as a crime control process that features recurring meetings, usually weekly, in which the agency's performance indicators are reviewed critically for improvement. CompStat follows a classic problemsolving model that focuses on accountability at all levels of an organization. Based on quantifiable statistical indicators, CompStat identifies crime patterns, clusters, suspects, and hot spots. Strategies are then developed in order to counter any crime increases. The CompStat process encourages creativity in developing strategies, allocating resources, and deploying personnel. It holds managers and employees accountable for confronting the problems of crime proactively. The CompStat business management model consists of four principles that define the strategy for reducing crime while creating cost-effective operations. These four CompStat principles are the collection and analysis of accurate and timely intelligence, the development of effective tactics, rapid deployment, and assessment of operations. Accurate and timely intelligence is necessary for the identification and profiling of emerging crime problems and the assessment of efforts to address them. In order to address crime problems, tactics are developed and implemented through action plans. Once a tactical plan has been developed to counter an identified crime problem, command personnel must rapidly deploy the plan before the problem escalates. An essential component in any operational plan is a critical assessment of what, if any, impact the plan's implementation has had on the problem addressed. The assessment further decides whether the plan should be modified, continued, or terminated as being a waste of resources. 2 notes