An SK BARS System: Ongoing Performance Management With Municipal Police

Abstract

We present a possible solution to two seemingly paradoxical issues: (a) widespread dissatisfaction with performance management and (b) increased demand for accountability in the public sector. The current article draws from our experience with a municipal police division to clarify and extend Smith and Kendall’s Behaviorally Anchored Rating Scales process to an ongoing performance management system. The resulting system holds promise for being less perfunctory and paternalistic than traditional performance management systems, while fostering transparency and accountability.