Auditor General releases performance audit report on the Vancouver Police Department’s organizational performance management

Today, Vancouver’s Auditor General Mike Macdonell released a report on his audit of organizational performance management at the Vancouver Police Department (VPD).

The audit examined the Vancouver Police Board’s (Board) governance of performance management and the VPD’s performance management structure, and performance measurement and reporting.

Organizational performance management is a set of business practices to improve results and ensure accountability for performance and stewardship of taxpayer resources. Performance measurement is a method of identifying and assessing the results an organization achieves against defined goals or criteria, and includes selecting, measuring and reporting on key performance indicators (KPIs). This is an important process for an organization to demonstrate it is achieving its objectives and making the best possible use of its resources.

The audit determined that the Board and the VPD implemented some processes to manage organizational performance but did not have clear expectations or a comprehensive performance framework to measure and report on the quality, economy, efficiency and effectiveness of the VPD’s operations.

A comprehensive performance measurement framework includes items such as key strategic goals, objectives and accountabilities, which were in place. It also includes elements that were missing from the VPD’s framework. For example, the VPD had not established KPIs, and did not monitor and report against intended outcomes to demonstrate results. 

The report contains one recommendation for the Board and three for the Department. The Board and the VPD have accepted the Auditor General’s recommendations and have provided an action plan in response.  

Quotes

Frank Chong, Chair, Vancouver Police Board 

“The Vancouver Police Board recognizes its role and accountability to develop clear key performance indicators that support the VPD in successfully implementing the strategic plan and allows everyone to know the progress that is being made on policing priorities and initiatives. Thanks are owed to Auditor General Macdonell and his team for their collaborative approach and the path this audit report provides for the Board and Department to distill important information and data that demonstrates and reports on the excellent policing the VPD provides each and every day.”

Mike Macdonell, Auditor General 

“It’s important that all publicly funded institutions measure, monitor, and be accountable for their performance and use of taxpayer resources. We found that the Vancouver Police Department collects a wide array of relevant information. When used effectively, this important data can enhance strategic decision making and strengthen public accountability, demonstrating how economically, efficiently and effectively services were delivered,” Macdonell said.

Macdonell concluded, “I am pleased that the Board and Department have collectively accepted all four of my recommendations and look forward to seeing their joint action plan brought to life.”

Contact

Mike Macdonell
Auditor General for the City of Vancouver
mike.macdonell@vancouver.ca
604-871-6211

To view the report, please visit our website.