NCJ Number
26576
Date Published
1974
Length
21 pages
Annotation
EXAMINATION OF THE PROBLEM OF DEVELOPING OUTCOME MEASURES FOR EVALUATING LAW ENFORCEMENT POLICY.
Abstract
THE FIRST SECTION REVIEWS PREVIOUS EFFORTS TO DEVELOP SUCH MEASURES AND ENUMERATES DEFICIENCIES FOUND IN VARIOUS ALTERNATIVE MEASURES. THE SECOND SECTION USES AN ADAPTIVE SYSTEMS PERSPECTIVE TO SHOW HOW THESE DEFICIENCIES CAN BE ATTRIBUTED TO AN INHERENT FLAW IN THE USE OF CLASSICAL EVALUATION DESIGNS IN THE LAW ENFORCEMENT CONTEXT. FINALLY, THE LAST SECTION SUGGESTS TWO NEW APPROACHES TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF EVALUATION MEASURES THAT AVOID THAT FLAW AND OFFER DIFFERENT ADDITIONAL BENEFITS. THAT FINAL SECTION OUTLINES A RESEARCH PROGRAM LEADING TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF OUTCOME MEASURES MORE USEFUL FOR EVALUATING LAW ENFORCEMENT ASSISTANCE.