Which step in the planning process deals with analyzing the goals?

The step in the planning process that deals with analyzing the goals is ends analysis. This step focuses on defining and clarifying what the organization aims to achieve. Ends analysis involves evaluating the overall objectives to ensure that they are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). By conducting this analysis, decision-makers can better understand the desired outcomes and how they align with the mission and vision of the organization.

This step is critical because it sets the foundation for the rest of the planning process, influencing subsequent steps such as means analysis, which examines the resources and strategies required to achieve the goals. In contrast, implementation is about executing the planned actions, while forecasting involves predicting future conditions that might affect the organization’s ability to meet its goals. Therefore, ends analysis is essential for establishing clear goals that guide all planning and operational efforts within a police department.