Indicators for the effectiveness of traffic law enforcement

Abstract

The bookkeeping of public organisations like the police covers the resources, their allocation to various tasks and the number of outputs provided. However, without indicators reflecting their capability in making a difference in terms of their purpose, their legitimacy rests upon shifting sands. This article explicates the effectiveness of traffic law enforcement by the police and the complexities involved in it. The aim is to specify clear points of reference that reflect their purpose and provide for the formulation of indicators of their effectiveness. From the perspec tive of the police, a valid system of indicators, when put into use system atically, would provide them with information to help them meet the purpose and, thus, help them to enhance the effectiveness of their work. The article discusses the obstacles to grasp that purpose unequivocally and figure out the deeds and activities that are essential in achieving it conceptually. The result is a conceptually comprehensive view that pro vides for the formulation of indicators that are useful in practice