NCJ Number
197380
Journal
Law Enforcement Technology Volume: 29 Issue: 10 Dated: October 2002 Pages: 174,176,178,179
Date Published
October 2002
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article describes the use of crime data analysis in law enforcement.
Abstract
Using modern analytical software tied to mapping applications, law enforcement personnel can instantly call up real-time information on their PC workstations. Statistics can be cross-referenced against tax records, parolee lists, and more. Soon this capability will be at the fingertips of patrol officers in the field, transmitted wirelessly to cruiser-mounted laptops, handheld computing devices, and even Wireless Access Protocol (WAP)-enabled cell phones. Police will not only be able to understand criminal activity better, but also foretell the future of crime. C-Insight is a database analytical software application from MetaEdge Corporation. It combines a user-friendly browser interface with easy integration to other applications. It lets customers connect a wide variety of databases, mapping software, and third-party software with no additional modules necessary. There are three advantages to this kind of system: improved police work, better manpower utilization, and greater strategic information for senior administrators. Another ability is managing the effect of re-districting, temporary manpower losses, and community policing practices. Using standardized reporting tools, templates can be created to examine thefts per man-hours worked, multi-year crime trends, accident occurrence by day/month/year at critical intersections and results of community watchdog programs. “Clean” data can mean the difference between reliable insight and botched reporting. Databases must be cleansed of unclear, incorrect, or misallocated information. Law enforcement agencies around the country are expressing interest in this technology. With lower costs and rising capabilities, it is important to take a new look at crime analysis.