NCJ Number
221311
Date Published
2007
Length
111 pages
Annotation
This British project developed a method of prospective mapping for burglary in the East Midlands and tested it for operational effectiveness and implications.
Abstract
The tested method of prospective mapping for burglary, called "Promap," correctly predicted more burglaries than other methods. It identified the locations of 78 percent of burglaries that occurred within the next 7 days of a forecast; for the same period, the retrospective model identified only 51 percent. Compared with the retrospective maps, Promap identified "hotspots" of burglary that facilitated the targeted assignment of patrol resources. The study concludes that the use of Promap could facilitate more targeted crime-reduction interventions by increasing the targeted deployment of police resources in a timely manner. Areas of high crime risk can be better defined for patrolling. The maps can also be produced for specific shifts, so as to ensure their relevance for the times covered by each shift. Promap software was developed for use in one police basic command unit in the East Midlands in consultation with local police and community safety practitioners. Using the software, maps were easily produced at regular intervals by crime analysts for discussion during shift briefings and distribution to beat officers. A variety of measures were used to identify and document the processes through which the pilot project was implemented. These included semistructured interviews, a survey of frontline police officers, the completion of a tactical options log by the command team, and direct observation by the research team. 74 references, 37 tables, 29 figures, and appended details on evaluation methodology and Promap technology