ABSTRACT
It should be clear from reading the previous chapters that there is generally a gap between the formulation and implementation of policy. As a result of this, there is a very good chance that the policy aims of the politicians can be subverted or undermined by the actions of street level bureaucrats, which can have serious implications for both longer-term future political success and the shorter-term aim of achieving specific policy-related goals. As a result, policy makers and politicians need to be sure that the tasks they set for those who implement policy are being achieved in the desired manner. Of equal importance, if not more important in many ways, is the question of obtaining value for money. The government invests billions of pounds of tax payers’ money in the criminal justice system on an annual basis and it, as well as the taxpayers, need to be assured that the money is used with a large degree of fiscal probity.
