Manual of Crime Analysis Map Production

• NCJ Number: 190424
• Author(s): Mary Velasco; Rachel Boba Ph.D.
• Date Published: November 2000
• Length: 36 pages
• Contract Number(s): 97-CK-WX-K004
• Sponsoring Agency: Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS)
• Corporate Author: Police Foundation
• Sale Source: NCJRS Photocopy Services; Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS)
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Instructional Material
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Downloaded August 29, 2001.

Annotation

Through discussion and comprehensive examples, this manual provides guidelines for introductory-level crime analysis mapping for use in a law enforcement environment.

Abstract

To produce accurate and effective crime analysis maps, there are three initial factors to consider: the purpose of the map, the audience of the map, and the types of data to include in the map. These considerations often dictate the type of map that will be used and the method of presentation. This manual begins with a brief examination of these initial factors, followed by a discussion of the types of maps and design elements and concluding with five comprehensive examples that illustrate the process of crime analysis mapping. The examples are not software specific, but they are intended to exemplify relevant practical situations and the development of a general conceptual framework for the production of informative and effective crime analysis maps. The maps pertain to an analysis of residential burglary patterns, top auto theft locations, theft from vehicles citywide, monthly calls for service by geographic area, and a comparison of citizens' fear of crime and reported violent crime. 24 figures