Demand Based Strategic Planning

This chapter explores how UK police services use demand-based strategic planning through the Force Management Statement (FMS) process to ensure efficiency, effectiveness, and sustainability under the HMICFRS inspection framework. Achieving an “outstanding” rating requires a strong commitment to understanding and managing demand. Historically, police services employed forecasting, technology, and prioritization strategies (Walley & Adams, 2019). However, recent analysis highlights new enablers: data-driven insights, demand visualization, systematic use of technology, and evidence-based methodologies. Effective management relies on prioritization, resource alignment, agile performance structures, and workforce development. This chapter examines these enablers, detailing how outstanding services optimize strategic planning to meet evolving demands.