Crime Pattern Analysis: An Investigative Tool (From Critical Issues in Criminal Investigation, Second Edition, P 59-69, 1988, Michael J Palmiotto, ed. -- See NCJ-109292)

• NCJ Number: 109295
• Author(s): M J Palmiotto
• Date Published: 1988
• Length: 11 pages
• Sale Source: Anderson Publishing Co
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This paper identifies aspects of crime analysis, discusses how it can be effectively applied in the field, and describes how various law enforcement agencies have used crime analysis.

Abstract

Crime analysis is the extraction of information from the study of historical crime data. Currently, there is no one satisfactory method of analysis for all police agencies. In a study by the International Association of Chiefs of Police, however, seven crime analysis functions were identified as universal for effective law enforcement operation. The functions are crime pattern detection, crime suspect correlations, target profiles, forecast crime potential, exception reports, forecast crime trends, and resource allocation. Lawrence Bennett advocates coordinating crime analysis with field operations by having crime analysis personnel work closely with field staff to address problems identified in crime analysis. Also, crime analysis reports should be structured to have clear implications for field operations. Crime analysis can be used to establish priorities and objectives for directed patrol. Generally, crime pattern analysis is most effective when applied to offenses that have a high probability of recurrence. 23 notes and 13 references.