Implementing an Agency-Level Performance Measurement System: A Guide for Law Enforcement Executives

• NCJ Number: 214439
• Author(s): Stacy Osnick Milligan; Lorie Fridell; Bruce Taylor
• Date Published: April 2006
• Length: 65 pages
• Grant Number(s): 2000-IJ-CX-K003
• Agencies: NIJ-Sponsored
• Publication Type: Test/Measurement; Program/Project Description
• Award: Designing, Implementing, & Evaluating Comprehensive Models

Annotation

Designed to assist police managers who want to develop a comprehensive measurement and accountability system in their agencies, this report provides guidance on the Police Executive Research Forum's (PERF's) performance measurement system and presents a case study to illustrate the challenges a department might face when implementing such a system.

Abstract

There are three major components of the PERF performance measurement system: performance expectations, measures, and accountability structures. Performance expectations pertain to three law enforcement outcomes: community safety and security; perceptions of safety and security; and confidence, trust, and satisfaction with law enforcement. PERF developed a number of survey and nonsurvey measures that agencies can use to determine their progress toward these three outcomes, as well as an additional construct of community health. PERF's case study of its performance measurement system involved the Prince William County Police Department's (Virginia) process of developing, implementing, and maintaining the system. The case study illustrates how one agency identified and used specific measures of performance relevant to the needs and resources of a particular agency. The case study describes a proven process of creating a strong performance measurement culture within a county. A 23-item bibliography