What is assessed in the 'Assessment' phase of the SARA process?

In the 'Assessment' phase of the SARA (Scanning, Analysis, Response, Assessment) process, the primary focus is on evaluating the success of the solutions that have been implemented to address identified problems. This phase is crucial because it allows law enforcement agencies to determine whether the strategies and interventions they have applied are working effectively to reduce crime or other issues within the community.

By assessing the outcomes of the actions taken, police organizations can gather data on their impact, analyze trends, and make informed decisions on whether to continue, modify, or abandon certain strategies. This reflective process aids in understanding the effectiveness of various approaches, ensuring that resources are being used efficiently and that community safety is being enhanced as intended.

Other aspects, like the effectiveness of new laws or officers' comfort levels, may be important in different contexts but are not the primary concern of the Assessment phase in the SARA model. The focus here is specifically on the results of the responses implemented in the earlier stages of the process.