Strategy #10
Program Evaluations
Develop and use a regular and ongoing program evaluation system,
using both quantitative and qualitative criteria to measure the desired outcomes
of current programs and aid in planning future programs.
Background
Law enforcement programs are sometimes driven by evaluation criteria that may have little connection to community needs. The number of tickets written, fine levels, arrests, and similar statistics do not necessarily confirm an effective program. While this raw data may be useful for examining certain aspects of programs, they do not say much about its overall success or failure. More meaningful and consequently more useful are statistics such as the mileage death rate, injury collision rate, pedestrian death and injury rates, and similar law enforcement related statistics. Programs should be identified and evaluated both quantitatively and qualitatively. Qualitative measurements are useful for determining if the community as a whole is benefiting from a program.
Actions
- Brief the local governing body on the agency’s plan to develop a program evaluation system with broad-based public input.
- Meet on a regular basis with community groups for input in establishing the performance evaluation system.
- Solicit input for the performance evaluation system from department personnel on a regular basis.
- Publish program objectives, evaluation criteria, and results.
- Use qualitative data to measure results of the program evaluations to improve and direct
program(s).
- Solicit ongoing public input through the Internet or via email.
Benefits
- Improved effectiveness of the agency.
- Improved community support for the agency’s programs.
- More efficient use of agency resources.
- Safer communities.
Other Considerations
- Possible conflict over roles with the governing body.
- Cost of soliciting broad-based input.
- Mandates from federal or state entities may conflict with the agency-developed program.
- Program expectations may exceed available resources.