NCJ Number
203678
Date Published
2003
Length
23 pages
Annotation
After considering the purpose and process of crime analysis in policing in the United Kingdom, this chapter assesses the techniques of crime analysis.
Abstract
Crime analysis provides detailed information about crime problems for the purpose of designing appropriate interventions. Crime analysis is an important element in the models of problem-oriented and intelligence-led policing approaches. Crime analysis reviews large volumes of crime information to identify problems and guide the development of police strategies and the allocation of resources. The five-stage process of crime analysis profiled in this chapter involves the collection of data, the representation of data, interpretation of data, recommendations for action, and evaluation of implemented strategies. In discussing the techniques of crime analysis, the chapter distinguishes between "tactical" analysis -- which aims to maximize the impact of enforcement by reviewing current crime problems and prolific offenders to inform investigations and operations -- and "strategic" analysis, which identifies longer term crime problems and future trends to assist police managers in local policy development and planning. The chapter then assesses the strengths and weaknesses of analytical techniques, with attention to offender profiling and volume crime analysis. This is followed by a discussion of the implications of rational-choice and routine-activity theories of crime for crime analysis. The chapter concludes with an identification and discussion of the problems of integrating crime analysis into policing. The author advises that the potential of crime analysis is only realized when it is systematically integrated into practice and informs the deployment of resources; for this to happen, the relevance and reliability of analysis must be developed. This is best achieved through cooperation between analysts and front-line officers. 91 references