NCJ Number
184138
Journal
Law Enforcement Technology Volume: 27 Issue: 7 Dated: July 2000 Pages: 74-78
Date Published
July 2000
Length
4 pages
Annotation
Computer-aided mapping software is having a major impact on law enforcement and includes a variety of products ranging from navigational software that creates off-road maps to analysis software that predicts patterns of criminal behavior.
Abstract
Applications for mapping programs also include traffic accident reconstruction, crime scene modeling, and phone log displays. Law enforcement is also increasing its use of freeware that works cross departments or regions. Freeware offerings include the Regional Crime Analysis Program designed at the University of Virginia, software created by the Washington Geographical Information Systems Consortium, and the Regional Crime Analysis Geographic Information System built by Baltimore City and Baltimore County, Md., and the Department of Justice. The National Capital Planning Commission in Washington, D.C., uses mapping and computer-aided design to help it efficiently plan and manage the capital region. Software called GeoBalance simultaneously compares or analyzes 10 different statistics at a time to prevent precincts or beats from becoming out of balance due to neighborhood sifts. The Pen-Link mapping program displays call data. Eos Systems’ Photomodeler generates diagrams using digital or film photography taken by detectives on the crime scene. Law enforcement also uses mapping in off-road and search and rescue operations. The mapping systems can help law enforcement analyze and prevent crime and better manage law enforcement personnel. Illustrations