What is the purpose of program evaluations and metrics in policing?

• A. To document expenses only.
• B. To justify reducing programs regardless of outcomes.
• C. To replace police discretion.
• D. To determine effectiveness and guide policy decisions.

Answer: (D)

Measuring what works in policing is essential because it shows whether a program actually achieves its intended goals and at what cost. Through evaluations and metrics, agencies collect data on outcomes and indicators, such as crime trends, response times, community perceptions, and resource use, to assess effectiveness. This evidence then informs decisions about continuing, expanding, modifying, or terminating programs, ensuring policies reflect real results and optimize public safety. While budget and cost considerations are part of the picture, the central purpose is to determine effectiveness and guide policy in a data-driven way. It’s not about replacing discretion or automatically cutting programs regardless of outcomes.