NCJ Number
92744
Date Published
1979
Length
136 pages
Annotation
This case study tracks and evaluates the Managing Criminal Investigations (MCI) program of the Rochester Police Department (New York), an effort to decentralize detective functions to work closely with patrol officers and improve investigative effectiveness.
Abstract
The Rochester police began their MCI program in 1971 and received a LEAA grant to refine and improve it in 1977-78. This report first describes Rochester's demographic characteristics and the police department's manpower, organization, and budget. It then discusses four specific activities associated with the 1977-78 demonstration project, although some were refinements of prior activities or planned before the grant award; (1) managing the continuing investigation; (2) improving police-prosecutor relationships; (3) the preliminary investigation, based on the existence of solvability factors; and (4) case screening. A fifth component, a monitoring system, was not considered fully implemented because it is underutilized. The three outcomes the police wished to achieve through the MCI program were improved clearance rates, improved convictions, and increased productivity. Based on interviews with police personnel, a literature review, police records, and crime statistics, the evaluation revealed little change in these outcome measures when examined before and during the MCI grant period. The trend of outcomes was consistent when analyzed in a time series format from the time team policing was implemented citywide in April 1975 and during the MCI grant period. It should be noted that the department was able to maintain this consistency while its staffing levels were decreasing. The appendixes contain an account of problems the evaluation encountered with computerized data, materials developed by the MCI program, and a detailed analysis of robbery, burglary, and larceny data. Tables and graphs are supplied.