NCJ Number
210622
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 53 Issue: 6 Dated: June 2005 Pages: 100-105
Date Published
June 2005
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This article describes the features of the CompStat program for policing and argues that it can be effective in small agencies as well as large agencies, citing the experience with CompStat in the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff's Office (Alabama).
Abstract
CompStat is a method for developing crime-control tactics. It first requires accurate and timely data collection and intelligence that show the nature and pattern of criminal activities in a jurisdiction. Next, it develops effective tactics and strategies that are flexible and adaptable in preventing and not simply displacing crime. Tactics are continually analyzed to ensure that they are being implemented as planned. The third element of CompStat involves the rapid deployment of personnel and resources. Finally, all crime control projects and tactics should be objectively evaluated in order to determine whether resources are being used effectively and whether programs should be modified or terminated. CompStat has been used successfully in large police agencies such as in New York City and Philadelphia. Its effectiveness in a smaller agency is shown by the experience of the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff's Office. Since smaller agencies cannot afford a team to work exclusively on CompStat projects alone, they must use a team that is partially devoted to CompStat, which is not a significant handicap since a smaller agency will generally have less data to compile and analyze. The analysis of data can be facilitated by appropriate computer software and computer skills among a sufficient number of personnel. Tactics planning should be the responsibility of representatives from all divisions concerned with crime control.