In his heresy Simon argued that systems-thinking can be the catalyst for exponential improvements in policing and the wider public sector. He contended that all numerical targets are arbitrary and are prone to causing dysfunctional behaviour. He said, "The widespread use of simplistic binary comparison for defining priorities in policing is akin to reading tea leaves! Control charts offer a more intelligent approach to using data for planning and the management of local performance."

He concluded that systems-thinking offers a way to develop an understanding of variation and the application of evidence-based decision making within an organisational climate. Such systems are in place to support improvements to the use of information for performance measurement. Fostering trust and allowing for devolved responsibility is the key to improved service delivery, efficiency and effectiveness.

Listen to Heresy #2: Intelligent Policing: How Systems-thinking Methods Eclipse Conventional Management Practice.