Police Benchmark Cities Survey

Several years ago I accidentally discovered the “benchmark cities survey” and I haven’t heard it talked about in academic and policing circles. It is a fantastic resource. the Survey consists of 5 major areas: Demographics, Budget, General Performance & Service Measures, Crime & Clearance, NIBRS Crime & Clearance, and Traffic Safety. Below are links to a few different years of the survey. This survey would be helpful for police in making knowledge based decisions, students for a police administration course, and academic research.

In 1997, a group of police chiefs from around the country established the benchmark cities survey, which created measurement tool to help ensure police departments provide the best service possible within their respective communities. Overland Park Police Department has taken the lead in compiling the survey results. The survey, updated annually, provides a range of information about each department. With that information, the participating agencies can set better goals and objectives, and compare their performance in the various areas.

The Overland Park Police Department 2021 Survey can be found HERE

The Overland Park Police Department 2020 Survey is HERE

The Olathe Police Department (OPD) has links to the 2019 benchmark city survey – HERE

• The Lawrence KS PD combined all the PowerPoint presentations into a single presentation report (which is a better format):
  • The 2020 presentation can be accessed HERE
  • The 2019 presentation is HERE
  • The 2018 Presentation is HERE
  • The 2017 Presentation HERE
  • The 2016 report is HERE
  • The 2015 report is HERE
  • The 2014 report can’t be located
  • The 2013 report is HERE
  • Thank you Lawrence PD!!!!!