Crime Analysis In Policing

The improvement of police crime analysis and related resource allocation can be accredited to GIS technology. Even though GIS technology can be an efficient and effective process in policing limited empirical assessment has been conducted. There are four major applications that make up GIS in policing. 1. Computerized crime mapping/crime analysis. 2. "Hot spots" identification. 3. Improving command-level decision making. 4. Geographical investigative analysis (primarily offender profiling). “The primary objective of this qualitative review is to identify the extent of empirical evaluations of the effectiveness of a GIS. Although there is some research reference offender profiling, results are mixed. Only two empirical evaluations have been
The Disruption Unit was engaged in policing activities that include motor vehicle and pedestrian stops, issuing citations, and making arrests. Among these activities, the number of police stops was the most significant factor for the reduction in violent crime and nuisance offenses. Research limitations/implications - The researchers use a patrol sector as a unit of analysis in order to compare influence of various types of police activities on crime across a broader area. Future research should consider using an intermediate geographic unit of analysis (e.g. patrol beat) (Jang, H., Lee, C., & Hoover, L. T.
It enables them to identify and understand criminal groups operating in their areas. Once criminal groups are identified and their habits known, law enforcement authorities may begin to assess current trends in crime to forecast, and to hamper the development of perceived future criminal activities. Intelligence provides the knowledge on which to base decisions and select appropriate targets for investigation. While the use of criminal intelligence analysis is appropriate to support investigations, surveillance operations and the prosecution of cases, it also provides law enforcement agencies with the ability to effectively manage resources, budget, and meet their responsibility for crime prevention
Zhang, Y., Hoover, L., & Zhao, J. (2014). Geographic Information Systems effects on police efficacy: An evaluation of empirical assessments. International Journal of Applied Geospatial Research, 5(2), 30-43
Hoover, L., Wells, W., Zhang, Y., Ren, L., & Zhao, J. (2016). Houston Enhanced Action Patrol: Examining the effects of differential deployment lengths with a switched replication design. Justice Quarterly, 33(3), 538-563
Jang, H., Lee, C., & Hoover, L. T. (2012). Dallas' disruption unit: Efficacy of hot spots deployment. Policing: An International Journal of Police Strategies & Management, 35(3), 593 –