What performance variable should not be assessed solely on an agency basis?

The performance variable that should not be assessed solely on an agency basis is frequency. This is because frequency, which refers to how often certain incidents or responses occur, can vary significantly based on a multitude of external factors that are not controlled by the agency itself. For instance, different communities have varying populations, types of infrastructure, and risks that influence the frequency of fire incidents or emergency calls.

When evaluating frequency, it is crucial to consider regional trends, demographics, and specific community needs. By looking solely at an individual agency’s data, one might overlook broader patterns or the impact of surrounding agencies or jurisdictions. Incorporating a wider perspective allows for a more comprehensive understanding and better resource allocation.

In contrast, volume, response time, and budgeting can be assessed more straightforwardly within the context of an individual agency. Volume reflects the total number of responses for a specific period within that agency's operations. Response time measures how quickly an agency can mobilize and reach an incident, which is primarily an internal function. Budgeting is a financial aspect that is entirely managed within the agency. Therefore, frequency stands out as a variable that merits a more expansive evaluation beyond just one agency's scope.