Knowledge Management and Police Resources: Insights from Research

Police services are constantly evolving in the need to manage demands upon their resources and fulfil obligations to consumers within a rapidly changing social and political landscape. The division of police labour, supported by dedicated IT and management structures, has been seen as one solution to this problem. This article considers the introduction of such a system, the Tasking Demand and Management Unit (TDMU), within a particular police force and considers its effects upon police officers and unsworn staff operating the system, including how it has influenced the perceptions of individuals operating at the front line of service delivery. It further considers the effects it has had in areas supporting the delivery of an effective, economic and efficient service, and informs policy makers and practitioners alike.