NCJ Number
171263
Journal
Policing Volume: 20 Issue: 2 Dated: (1997) Pages: 408-418
Date Published
1997
Length
11 pages
Annotation
Because police officers commonly receive descriptions of suspects that are fuzzy in nature, the author attempts to introduce the concept of fuzzy variables to criminal justice practitioners and to describe a fuzzy logic-based mathematical procedure that is capable of handling such variables.
Abstract
Fuzzy logic stipulates an element can be a member of a given set in an uncertain manner. Unlike classical mathematical set theory in which an element can only be in two situations, a member or not a member of some set, fuzzy logic generalizes the possibilities and introduces the concept of shades of membership patterns. Fuzzy logic incorporates the condition that an element is either a member or not a member of some set but also extends the condition by introducing the possibility of membership falling in mixed modes. Fuzzy logic theory and techniques are examined in the context of modeling offender profiles. The author indicates recognizing certain concepts and descriptions may be fuzzy in nature is important in helping investigators narrow down the list of suspects. In addition, fuzzy logic techniques can help police managers analyze data that are non-dichotomous and fuzzy in nature. Further, recognizing certain variables are fuzzy in nature can enhance police capabilities and improve the understanding of police behavior, actions, and organizational culture. The use of fuzzy logic techniques throughout the criminal justice system is discussed. 34 references