NCJ Number
129772
Date Published
1990
Length
13 pages
Annotation
Modern computer systems enable the police to analyze vast amounts of crime information including information on the offender, the manner in which a crime was committed, the geographical location, and the time of day.
Abstract
The dissemination of such information has many applications in practical police work. Computers can rapidly solicit public cooperation in offender searches and crime prevention. Crime analysis also shows which calls require urgent police attention and supports police training by determining which type of intervention is most effective for particular crimes. Computer-aided crime analysis contributes even more significantly on the State and national levels by allocating funds, detecting crime trends, and suggesting early responses. One current project is the gradual introduction of a revised Uniform Crime Reporting System which uses a greater variety of information sources and uniform national classification categories. In addition, the more sophisticated crime statistics have generated innovative approaches such as problem-oriented policing. In New Port News, Va. this approach led to the discovery that half the city's murders were committed by family members who had previously come to police attention due to domestic violence. This information led to a comprehensive plan aimed at reducing family tension before crimes occur. Footnotes