ABSTRACT
Police activity, and public satisfaction or dissatisfaction with it, is the subject of constant public debate. e media, politicians, and broad sections of the public are critical of the police’s ability to counteract petty and organized crime. ere is a wide range of opinions, even within the judicial system. Sometimes investigation is regarded as most important, and sometimes visibility is highest on the wish list. e debate is sprawling largely because what constitutes good police activity is unclear. Is it the number of successful investigations per policeman? e number of speeding tickets issued? How fast police cars arrive when there is an emergency call? A low cost per violent crime investigation? Or should the police be measured in terms of the growth in the number of reported o€enses? Crime clearance rates appear to be one good way of measuring a part of police work. But it is well understood that more resources for investigation would increase clearance rates. On the other hand, many people would still remain dissatis‹ed and the criticism of police may persist.
