NCJ Number
216842
Journal
Policing: An International Journal of Police Strategies & Management Volume: 29 Issue: 4 Dated: 2006 Pages: 723-740
Date Published
2006
Length
18 pages
Annotation
This article explores the developments that led to the integration and implementation of geographical information systems (GIS) within the South African Police Services (SAPS).
Abstract
The analysis indicates that while GIS crime mapping applications will assist SAPS with their policing strategies, a variety of factors act as barriers to the full implementation of GIS within the SAPS. In order for GIS to be fully integrated and implemented, SAPS needs: (1) a spatial information system for crime analysis and prevention; (2) data quality procedures; (3) an automated geocoding system; and (4) the continued support of the South African Government and its policymakers. The future of GIS and crime mapping capabilities in South Africa rests primarily on the ability of the private sector and local and provincial government to overcome these problems, which essentially involve a lack of human, technical, and capital infrastructure. The analysis focused on the history of policing and GIS in South Africa, which illustrated that while GIS has been used by government, some institutions, and the private sector for research and business purposes, GIS has not been fully integrated into policing practices. The legislative origins for the integration of GIS within the SAPS are examined, which revolve around the government’s adoption of the National Crime Prevention Strategy in 1996 and the National Crime Combating Strategy in 2000. The author offers several proposals of potential crime mapping possibilities for South Africa, including interactive Internet-based crime mapping, geographic profiling, and geodemographic segmentation systems. Note, references