Understanding Police Management: A Typology of the Underside of Compstat

As Compstat becomes embedded as a police management tool accepted worldwide, it has been held to scrutiny by social scientists, reporters, and policymakers. Some have favorable accounts, others not so favorable. In this study, we add to this literature significantly by documenting a typology of the lesser understood underside of Compstat. By using an anonymous survey of 491 retired commanders in New York City, we identify four (4) main themes that resonate throughout the responses: top-down management; hierarchical pressure; commander morale, abuse, and embarrassment; and organizational inefficiency. We then subject the qualitative findings to quantitative analysis and confirm all but organizational inefficiency as typical of the Compstat process as practiced in New York City.