Performance measurement and policing: Police service or law enforcement agency?

In recent years the police have introduced performance indicators and value for money initiatives, but financial and management structures have remained unchanged. Police reform introduced in England and Wales in April 1995 will enhance strategic planning but will place organizational performance above local or individual need. Performance measurement may threaten the operational independence of chief constables and alter the style of policing from that of service to enforcement. Different measures should be developed for different levels of accountability in police forces. Performance measurement can mean a better informed police‐public dialogue, but issues of quality must not be neglected.