Although the role of operational research modelling within the context of the operations of the organisation is well established, operational researchers have had less of an impact at the strategic level organisations

This paper reports on the use of both qualitative modelling (i.e. Journey Making) and quantitative system dynamics simulation modelling for a strategy making process in a UK police force. The main focus of the work is on the tension between the supply of resources (i.e. police officers) and the demands placed on those officers. The strategic conversation that took place was facilitated by 2 modellers one focussing on managing the strategic enquiry, while the other considered the implications of the conversation for the system dynamics model. Three key strategic conversations emerged: the management of quality with respect to staff, measuring productivity, and the role of public expectations. The work raises issues for both model building processes and the strategic management of any public organization.