Performance Measurement in Australian Police Organizations
* Jenny Fleming, Research Fellow, University of Tasmania, Australia. E-mail: jenny.fleming{at}utas.edu.au
** Ann Scott, University of Queensland, Australia
This article looks at organizational performance measurement in Australia. It provides an overview of some of the strengths and weaknesses of numerical performance measurement in Australian states and territories. In discussing the benefits and limitations of performance measurement generally, the article looks specifically at Operational Performance Reviews. The article argues that the complexity of police work should be measured through a combination of product and process measurement in order to obtain a strong and accurate picture of an organization's achievements. The article acknowledges some of the recent attempts to capture some of the less tangible aspects of police work. It is suggested that while performance measurement can be a purposeful learning tool for police organizations, it can also constrain innovation and lead to mechanistic responses.