NCJ Number
195297
Date Published
2002
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This report discusses crime mapping, both wall maps and the several sophisticated techniques of computerized mapping, which provides a systematic method for police to communicate to legislatures, the courts, individuals seeking assistance, and society as a whole, crime and public safety concerns, including a common understanding of crime patterns and a measurement of police progress in affecting crime.
Abstract
This article discusses the value of crime mapping in aiding police work and communication with society as a whole, including various related government agencies, the court system, and individual crime victims. Beyond the typical wall map, elements of computerized crime mapping discussed include: crime data and its limitations, geographic context of crime, digital base maps and geocoding, and map layers. The use of computers in crime mapping has proved to be more effective in achieving the three traditional goals of wall mapping: measuring police performance, solving specific crime problems, and informing the public. Through the use of computerized crime maps the police can encourage public participation in crime solving by making information more accessible, and communicating with related academic fields to create a growing body of knowledge to advance crime policy and law enforcement strategies.