NCJ Number
221413
Journal
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 77 Issue: 1 Dated: January 2008 Pages: 13-18
Date Published
January 2008
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This article, the second part of a three part article, focuses on Phases 3 and 4 in a seven-step evaluation management program for law enforcement.
Abstract
Conducting program evaluations and implementing subsequent corrective actions will improve a program’s operational effectiveness and an organization’s efficiency. Evaluations provide key decisionmakers with the facts and opportunities to enhance their program’s performance by streamlining plans, policies, and procedures; by successfully managing risks and realigning priorities; and by optimizing the use of critical resources. In Phase 3, the research design is written; this is the overall plan of evaluation on how the assessment will be performed to effectively collect, process, and present information. Changes in research design may be necessary as the evaluation evolves and new challenges are encountered. In general, the research design will include applicable research methods, measurement instruments, predefined perimeters, and scheduling milestones for completing each task. The plan of evaluation should take into consideration all appropriate information gathered during the previous two phases; evaluators should have a working knowledge of the unique features of the programs being evaluated, including applicable laws and regulations; the program’s goal; committed resources; operational plans, policies, and procedures; output products and services; and documented outcome effects, such as crime reports and after-action reviews. In Phase 4, relevant facts and details based on evaluation requirements are gathered. Collection activities traditionally cover searches of databases, after-action reports, archival records, publications, press releases, and the Internet. When all relevant facts and figures have been collected, evaluators should consolidate the information by cataloging data into applicable distinct clusters for ease of analysis. The final three stages of evaluation management process will be covered in a future article. Tables, notes