What does the "Assessment" in the SARA model focus on?

The "Assessment" component of the SARA model focuses on reviewing the effectiveness of responses to problems. This step is crucial in any problem-solving process as it allows law enforcement agencies to evaluate whether the strategies implemented to address a specific issue have succeeded or if they need adjustment. By systematically assessing the outcomes of their interventions, police can identify what worked well and what did not, leading to improved practices and informed decisions for future actions.

In this context, the focus is not merely on evaluating individual incidents, estimating investigation lengths, or solely analyzing historical crime data. While those activities may be valuable in broader policing efforts, the essence of the "Assessment" phase lies specifically in determining the success of the implemented responses, facilitating ongoing learning and adaptation in policing strategies. This reflective approach fosters a dynamic strategy that is responsive to the ever-evolving nature of community safety and crime trends.