Description
Policing report
original Problem-Solving Report about a real-life crime problem.
Police and his problems with the community in New York
1. Executive Summary
A short abstract of the paper content including all the Problem-Solving Report parts.
2. Problem Background
A. History of the Problem
B. Current Status of the Problem
C. Importance of the Problem
D. Definition of the Problem
Introduction to the problem. Keep it short and to the point. This section frames the issue.
3. Problem Statement
A. Identify the objectives of the entity that is trying to solve the problem and the
Statement of the Problem
B. Statement of Methodology Used in Analysis
C. Identification of Actors Involved
D. Impact of the Problem
It concisely identifies the problem to be solved. It may be in the form of a question.
4. Alternative Solutions
A. Listing of Alternatives Considered
B. Comparison of Alternatives
PROBLEM-SOLVING REPORT FORMAT
2
C. Constraints, Including Political
Enumerate the options and describe them briefly. It is common to provide three options,
but dont force it to that. For and against arguments do not constitute two options. Give
the decision-maker some choices.
4-D: Analysis of Options: How does each option serve the objectives listed above (3-A)
and what are the other cost issues associated with each. Consider positive and negative
externalities. You should be sensitive to the options domestic political repercussions.
5. Recommendations
A. Description Recommendation (s)
B. Rationale for Recommendations
C. Plan for Implementation
D. Provisions for Monitoring / Evaluation
Select the best option and recapitulate why it is the best. Do a reality check. Does the
recommendation solve the problem; is it actionable? Your recommendation should
ideally be a stand-alone, and not require another iteration of the process to figure out
how to implement it. A good recommendation is never a suicide pact.
