NCJ Number
189564
Journal
Journal of Research in Crime and Delinquency Volume: 38 Issue: 3 Dated: August 2001 Pages: 257-278
Date Published
August 2001
Length
22 pages
Annotation
This article examines the utility of raster-based mapping software for predicting locations of burglaries, as well as likely locations for crime displacement or diffusion.
Abstract
The use of geographic information systems to understand spatial patterns of crime and criminal behavior has become more prevalent in recent years, but, with a few exceptions, these analyses fall short of serving as predictive tools. The recent introduction of user-friendly, raster-based mapping software, designed primarily for environmental and planning purposes, offers new tools for examining and predicting crime and criminal behavior. By applying opportunity theories to the crime of residential burglary, this article examines the utility of raster-based mapping software for predicting desirable and undesirable locations of burglaries, as well as likely locations for crime displacement or diffusion. The article concludes that the model holds promise for serving these prediction purposes. It claims that the advantages to raster-based modeling revolve around ease of visualizing a complex process and in decision support. In sum, it has the potential to take the visual display of data from the descriptive realm to the inferential realm. Tables, figures, notes, references