Implementation of a police organizational model for crime reduction

Abstract

PurposeThis paper aims to present the evaluation results of a practice‐based research partnership to develop and implement a new police organizational model for crime reduction into one police agency which was implemented based on the best practices of problem‐oriented policing, hot spots policing, and Compstat.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative process evaluation of organizational changes and an impact evaluation examining specific crime types was conducted over seven years to determine increased efficiency, collaboration, and effectiveness of the police department's crime reduction strategies.FindingsThe process evaluation found that the agency improved its crime analysis capabilities as well as its coordination and communication, expanded its problem solving activities, and made a significant cultural shift towards incorporating problem solving and accountability throughout the organization. The impact evaluation found that the crimes addressed in the implementation – theft from vehicle – did decrease overall and when compared to other crime types and to neighboring jurisdictions.Research limitations/implicationsThe limitations of the research are that these results are from one agency and that the impact evaluation is not conclusive.Originality/valueThe work was carried out over seven years in which the collaboration between the researcher and the agency was seminal. The model developed can be used by other police departments, and a key finding was that strong leadership played the most important role in the implementation of the crime reduction strategies and accountability practices.

The Current and Potential Role of Crime Analysts in Evaluations of Police Interventions: Results From a Survey of the International Association of Crime Analysts

“…While crime analysis does not replace the work and skills of sworn police personnel, it is designed to complement and add value to that work (Santos & Taylor, 2014, p. 502). Indeed, Santos (2013a) found that the implementation of the stratified model of problem solving, analysis, and accountability, which incorporates rigorous crime analysis in the daily functions of all levels of a police agency, was associated with significant crime reductions in Port St. Lucie, FL. 2 Crime analysis is widely recognized as involving five primary functions: intelligence analysis, criminal investigative analysis, tactical analysis, strategic analysis, and administrative analysis (Boba, 2001(Boba, , 2009Bruce, 2008;Santos, 2013b).…”

“…While crime analysis does not replace the work and skills of sworn police personnel, it is designed to complement and add value to that work (Santos & Taylor, 2014, p. 502). Indeed, Santos (2013a) found that the implementation of the stratified model of problem solving, analysis, and accountability, which incorporates rigorous crime analysis in the daily functions of all levels of a police agency, was associated with significant crime reductions in Port St. Lucie, FL. 2…”

Implementing Pattern or Practice Police Reform: A Comparative Analysis

“…First, implementation is an integral part of the policy process, necessary for linking policy outputs with outcomes (Maguire, 2009 1984). Second, even under the best of circumstances, policy implementation is an intricate and eminently demanding process (e.g., Santos, 2013). This complexity is reflected in a two-dimensional analytical framework that acknowledges the relevance of both dosage, or the "intensity with which a policy is implemented," and fidelity, or "the extent to which a reform, as implemented, matches the way it was originally conceived or envisioned" (Maguire, Uchida, & Hassell, 2010, p. 1).…”

“…In fact, these officers receive policy and managerial guidance through the chain of command, where first line supervisors are the most direct, most influential voices of accountability (Kelling & Bratton, 1993). The presence of strong, supportive leadership that places a high priority on the implementation process has also been shown to be critical to overall success (Fernandez & Rainey, 2006;Santos, 2013). Leaders who are vocally committed to the implementation process and skilled in developing and communicating organizational agendas and priorities are particularly valuable (Bingham & Wise, 1996).…”

Assessing the Relevance of Statistics and Crime Analysis Courses for Working Crime Analysts

“…Crime analysis is the study of crime data and other related information to assist law enforcement in reducing or preventing crime, apprehending criminals, and evaluating departmental policies. Crime analysis has been related to lower rates of crime, more effective policing policies, and increased efficiency in resource allocation, particularly in departments which utilize crime analysis when making decisions (Baltaci, 2010;Santos, 2012;Santos 2014;Veigas & Lum, 2013). Crime analysts compile and analyze information on criminal activity, police response, and department policies reporting results to central command staff, area commanders, and patrol officers.…”