Enterprise Architecture: The Struggle is Real
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The Policy Police: How Governance Enforcers Keep Your Architecture in Check

The Policy Police: How Governance Enforcers Keep Your Architecture in Check

Ralph Webster
August 15, 2025

Greetings, Architects!
Ever feel like your architecture is less about innovation and more about avoiding getting ticketed for “non-compliant diagram formatting”? Welcome to the wonderful world of the Policy Police — those valiant guardians of governance who ensure you follow the rules… every single one of them… in order… and in triplicate.

The Main Story: A Routine Governance Stop

You’re happily mapping out a new capability model when suddenly — sirens in the distance.
It’s the Governance Enforcement Unit, clipboard in one hand, red pen in the other.

“I’m going to have to write you up for non-standard font usage in this architecture view.”

They flip through your documentation like a traffic officer inspecting an overstuffed glove compartment. The fines? Endless review cycles. The punishment? An urgent “governance training refresher” calendar invite.

By the end, you start wondering if TOGAF should come with a license plate and registration renewal date.

TOGAF to the Rescue (Sort Of)

Here’s the thing: TOGAF loves governance. It’s the framework equivalent of a sensible friend reminding you to buckle your seatbelt before you merge onto the Enterprise Highway.
But unlike our fictional Policy Police, TOGAF’s governance approach is meant to be enabling, not paralysing. Proper governance:

Ensures architectural decisions align with business strategy
Provides traceability without killing momentum
Keeps stakeholders accountable and empowered

The trick is balancing conformance with common sense.

Educational Twist: Governance That Works

Define the why — Governance rules must have a clear purpose.
Right-size the process — Not every change needs a 14-page review.
Automate checks where possible — Let tools do the boring rule-spotting.
Empower architects — Give people discretion to deviate when justified.

Good governance should feel like guardrails, not a speed trap.

Humor in Diagrams

Have you ever been pulled over by the Policy Police? What was your most ridiculous governance citation? Share it — we’ll keep your identity confidential (probably).

Next Week’s Tease

Episode 33: The Agile–Architecture Cage Match — Who wins when the sprint timer meets the architecture review board?