According to Peel, what serves as the test of police efficiency?

The concept of police efficiency, as articulated by Sir Robert Peel, emphasizes the idea that the true measure of a police force's effectiveness lies not in the number of arrests made or the implementation of new technologies, but rather in the absence of crime and disorder within the community. Peel's principles suggest that the ultimate goal of police work is to maintain peace and prevent crime, thereby ensuring the safety and security of the public.

When crime rates are low and order is maintained, it indicates that the police are successfully fulfilling their primary function of preventing crime and fostering a sense of security among the citizens. This focus on outcomes rather than inputs (such as arrests) underscores the importance of community trust and proactive policing strategies that deter crime before it occurs.

The emphasis on community engagement levels and technological advancements, while important aspects of modern policing, do not embody the core test of police efficiency as defined by Peel. Instead, they are tools or methods that can be used to achieve the ultimate goal of crime reduction and public safety. In essence, the criterion of effectiveness lies in the overall condition of safety and order within the community, aligning seamlessly with Peel's foundational principles of policing.