Applications of Geographic Analysis in Parole and Probation

• NCJ Number: 191836
• Author(s): Keith Harries
• Date Published: August 2001
• Length: 57 pages
• Grant Number(s): 99-CE-VX-0005
• Agencies: NIJ-Sponsored
• Publication Type: Research Paper

Annotation

This document presents information on the development of geographic information systems (GIS) designed to assist the Maryland Division of Parole and Probation (DPP).

Abstract

The advent of community-based supervision in parole and probation agencies has led to a new need for detailed location information. Three staff members received intensive training in the application of GIS tools to data provided by DPP in the course of the year 2000. The staff members were trained to take raw data from the DPP database, parse and geocode it, query it, map the results, and incorporate them in reports. Databases subjected to analysis dealt with aggravated assault, drug treatment data, and sex offender data. Questions relevant to a geographic perspective include crime hot spots, other probationers and parolees, subjects of protective orders, the availability of drug treatment and other needed services. Other relevant questions included where offenders live, what they are doing, and how agent travel time to offenders could be minimized. This project generated three products. The first is hardware in the form of a computer, software, an external Zip drive, and other peripherals intended to ease the transition to applications of GIS. The second is a set of activities, most of which are embedded in this report, designed to illustrate how GIS tools could help streamline work in DPP. The third is the intangible benefits growing out of discussions with DPP management and staff in which the benefits of GIS were explained and reinforced on numerous occasions. 24 figures, 4 references, 2 appendices