New Research Project Sheds Light on Police Efficiency

Commissioned by the Ministry of Justice and Public Security, Vista Analyse, the Frisch Centre for Economic Research, the Institute of Transport Economics (TØI), and the Work Research Institute (AFI), OsloMet – Oslo Metropolitan University, have carried out a research project on the efficiency of task performance in Norwegian police districts. The project was initiated in autumn 2023, with an announcement on Vista Analyse’s website, and was completed in spring 2026.

Efficiency analyses have the potential to contribute to systematic performance measurement in the police, provided that the framework can be adapted to sector-specific characteristics. The aim of the project is to contribute to a comprehensive, research-based approach to efficiency measurement in the police sector, which can provide valuable insights into police operations and governance, both in the short and long term.

We find indications that districts that have been under particular budgetary pressure are the most efficient. The composition of production resources is relatively efficient, while medium-sized districts have the best scale efficiency.

The research project has resulted in four reports:

• A research report focusing on police service production
• A research report focusing on cost variations in the police
• A research report with technical documentation related to data and methods
• An overview report summarizing the main findings and placing them in a broader context

The project has been followed by two reference groups within efficiency analysis and the police sector. In addition, we have received extensive assistance from the National Police Directorate (POD) regarding data access.

– On behalf of the project team, I would like to thank the Ministry of Justice and Public Security for a good dialogue and constructive feedback throughout the project. I would also like to thank the National Police Directorate in Norway and our reference groups for valuable input and assistance. Last but not least, I would like to thank Vista Analyse, the Frisch Centre for Economic Research, the Institute of Transport Economics, and the Work Research Institute (AFI), OsloMet – Oslo Metropolitan University for solid collaboration. We look forward to following the further development of the efficiency framework in the police sector, says project leader Rasmus Bøgh Holmen at Vista Analyse.

Please contact Rasmus Bøgh Holmen by phone (+47) 98 48 00 12 or email rasmus.bogh.holmen@vista-analyse.no for inquiries.