Tasmania Police has set Operational Performance Targets for 2013 – 2014, these are the way the Department measures performance against our Business Priorities.

In previous years, the Department has set ‘benchmarks’ across a range of policing activities; but these were not aligned with the outputs that were required to be delivered.

“We believe these new Targets are achievable and reflect the high standard of policing delivered by our people and expected by the community,” said Acting Deputy Commissioner Donna Adams.

The Operational Performance Targets have been set to reflect our allocation of 1,120 police officers.

“Tasmania Police recorded a strong performance in several areas including public place assaults and clearing crime last financial year,” said Ms Adams.

“Some of the Targets are lower than the 2012-13 performance because they are set against a three year average, not just the previous year’s performance.  This allows for trends and fluctuations,” she said.

For example in 2012 -13;

• there were 823 public place assaults against a benchmark of 1055.  The Target of 990 is reflective of the 3 year average.
• 73.7% of serious offences were cleared against a benchmark of 70%.   The new Target is 71% of serious offences cleared, reflective of the 3 year average. 

In some cases, the Targets have been increased;

• High Risk Driving Offenders now includes mobile phone offences plus reckless and dangerous driving.
• Random Breath Tests have increased by 18,000 because drink driving remains a major factor in serious and fatal crashes.

The Districts are able to initiate their own Targets to respond to issues in their area.

“Targets provide a focus for Districts, however, the high levels of dedication and professionalism of our officers, often results in our performance exceeding our goals,” she said.