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Tough Nut to Crack: Performance Measurement in Specialist Policing

NCJ Number
240232
Author(s)
Zhivan Alach; Charl Crous
Date Published
October 2012
Length
48 pages
Annotation
This report describes the development of a performance measurement framework for the Auckland Metropolitan Crime and Operational Support unit (AMCOS), a specialist policing unit of the New Zealand Police.
Abstract
The performance framework reflects the roles and functions of the unit and covers forensic performance measures, operations support performance measures, intelligence performance measures, and investigations performance measures. Five factors were identified as critical in the development and implementation of the performance framework. One critical factor is managerial support. A second factor involves a review of previous work in the development and use of performance measures. A third factor is consultation with those experienced in the development and implementation of performance measures for specialized police operations. A fourth factor pertains to issues associated with identifying respective shares of specialized resources for other policing groups; and a fifth factor involves the identification and addressing of ongoing difficulties in measuring the performance of specialized police units. The next phase in the development of the AMCOS performance framework will focus on improving an understanding of the links between outputs and outcomes. AMCOS is currently involved in aligning and integrating performance measurements into its planning, and project management processes. This integration is guided by the principle that performance measurement is useful only if it is used as the basis for improving actions. 4 tables and 85 references