Policing Standards Manual 2000: Business Planning

Policing Standards Manual (2000) - Business Planning

• Legislative/Regulatory Requirements:
  • Section 30(1) of the Adequacy Standards Regulation mandates police service boards to prepare a business plan every three years. This plan must cover police service objectives, functions, and how they'll provide effective services.
  • The plan needs quantitative and qualitative performance objectives and indicators for services such as community crime prevention, community patrol, criminal investigations, community satisfaction, emergency calls, violent crime, property crime, youth crime, victim re-victimization rates, road safety, and resource planning.
  • Section 32(1) requires a protocol with municipal councils outlining the business plan's delivery schedule, public access, and potential joint development.
  • Section 32(2) mandates consultation during the plan's development with municipal councils, school boards, community groups, businesses, and the public.

Sample Board Policy

• The planning policy outlines a strategy for developing the business plan in partnership with the Chief of Police.

Framework for Business Planning - Page 2

• Performance Objectives:

  • Performance objectives should consider existing performance, costs, crime analysis, social trends, demographic factors, and community expectations.
  • Police should consider comparable jurisdictions' performance objectives and community satisfaction surveys and victimization surveys.
  • The business plan should detail projected costs.

• Information Technology:

  • The plan should include an information technology plan based on a needs assessment, and the ability to share information with other organizations.
  • Regular review of business processes, practices, and technology should be part of the plan to identify areas for improvement.
  • The plan encompasses technology acquisition, updates, replacements, and training.

• Police Facilities:

  • The business plan must contain a plan for police facilities ensuring at least one accessible location for public use during business hours.
  • The plan should meet provincial building and fire codes.
  • Other considerations include sufficient space for offices and equipment, utilities (heat, AC, lighting), adequate lockers, change rooms, washrooms (potentially showers), and security measures.

Framework for Business Planning - Page 3

• Police facilities must accommodate interviewing rooms, document storage, security, proper lockup facilities, emergency exits, etc

Framework for Business Planning - Page 4

• Resource Planning:

  • Police should implement a resource planning methodology (manual or automated), considering business plans and demands.
  • The plan needs to assess and evaluate workloads in specific areas: crime prevention, law enforcement, victim assistance, public order maintenance, and emergency response.

• Communication:

  • A standardized communication process is established for the business plan, including the public.

• Procedures:

  • Police service guidelines should include procedures for information technology, security, electronic file management, police facility management (including an individual responsible for overall management, inventory updates, and appropriate facility use).

• In case police facilities do not meet the needs a plan for resolving the issue should be prepared by the department head.