NCJ Number
200429
Journal
Law Enforcement Technology Volume: 30 Issue: 5 Dated: May 2003 Pages: 38-43
Editor(s)
Ronnie Garrett
Date Published
May 2003
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This article describes several computer-based crime-mapping analysis software systems available to law enforcement.
Abstract
Innovative applications in computer-based crime mapping analysis have continued to grow since the 1980's. Mapping has evolved to make interjurisdictional crime analysis possible and necessary, especially within the realm of homeland security. This article presents descriptions of six software applications in crime-mapping analysis. ArcView, a product of ESRI in Redlands, CA, contains ArcMap which displays, queries, and analyzes data; ArcCatalog for managing data; and Arc Toolbox which converts data from disparate sources. Two extensions of this include Spatial Analyst and 3D Analyst, allowing investigators to interactively analyze surfaces and terrains. MapInfo Professional is a product of MapInfo Corp., in Troy, NY, and was the first desktop mapping product requiring little knowledge. The tool is Discovery Connect which allows analysts to publish information so others can see it exactly as the analyst sees it. CAIS-Map, from Crime Analysis Associates in South Jordan, UT, builds on the company’s statistical package and integrates with Microsoft MapPoint to enable geographic crime analysis. Integrated Crime Analysis Tools (I-CAT) is from 4th Watch Systems Inc., in Norfolk, VA, and combines mapping with other forms of crime analysis. It provides for case information that can’t be mapped. Looking Glass Crimes (LGcrimes), created by HTE Inc., in Lake Mary, FL, and Geographic Technologies Group, Inc., in Goldsboro, NC, is a tool for patrol officers, thereby, freeing analysts to do analysis. Lastly, CrimeMap, created by GeoSpatial Technologies (GST) in Santa Ana, CA, can link to an agency’s CAD/RMS directly or import data from CAD/RMS. It has the ability to select specific fields into the crime database or all fields if needed.