Appraising Options

Once ideas have been generated, the preferred options need to be appraised. This process is critical. To achieve their full potential, the measures introduced need to be based on a clear understanding of:

• WHY they are expected to work (what mechanisms they will use - the Conjunction of Criminal Opportunity ‘Intervention’ section can help specify mechanisms); and

• WHAT needs to happen for them to succeed

Rigorous option appraisal will help identify the most effective - and cost effective - options. It will also highlight ingredients that are crucial to success when it comes to implementation.

Options: Checklist

Click here a for the chart which you can use to set out your responses to the following questions:

1. What is the precise problem to be tackled?

Partnerships should look to tackle the problem with the biggest numbers e.g., is it theft of or theft from vehicles? Is it both?

Does it relate to particular:

• types of vehicle
• locations
• groups of victims
• offenders?

If more information is needed, how can it be obtained?

2. What outcome(s) do we want to achieve and by when?

• How do these relate to the problems identified?

3. How will the option achieve the desired effect?

• What is the mechanism for achieving the result intended?

4. What evidence is there to support this approach?

• Has anything similar been done elsewhere?
• If so, was it well evaluated and was it successful?

'What works' page

5. What else needs to happen for it the option to work?

• Under what circumstances will the option achieve the intended outcome?
• Does it depend on specific conditions or resources, or on support from relevant interests?
• If so, are these conditions present or can they be created?

6. How much do we need to do to make a difference?

7. How will we know if it is working?

• How and how often will progress be measured?
• Who will undertake the work?

8. What resources will be needed?

• What start up costs, staff time; capital and running costs are likely to be required, and how will these be met?

• What could be provided ‘in kind’?

• What are the opportunity costs involved? e.g. initiatives targetting offenders could lead to higher arrest rates and potentially higher prosecution rates

• What will the positive or negative side effects be?

9. Will the benefits outweigh the costs?

• Will the outcomes be worthwhile?
• Could the resources be better used on an alternative option?
• Does the option represent ‘Best Value’?