ANALYSIS: When a health expert referred to the ‘random variation’ in COVID figures, there was little reaction; but as Dr Simon Guilfoyle – a lecturer, adviser and serving police inspector – explains, the statement highlighted some of the dangers of using data to make binary comparisons, which have led to years of flawed decisions and knee-jerk reactions in policing.

OPINION: The Curtis Review on the use of targets in policing was published in December 2015, but little actual change appears to have taken place. Simon Guilfoyle revisits the debate and calls once more for the fundamental transformation of performance management in the police service.

OPINION: The debate on moving away from a police performance target culture continues. Simon Guilfoyle argues that the concept of ditching targets needs wider thought about how police performance management can evolve in their absence.