NCJ Number
183907
Journal
Law Enforcement Technology Volume: 27 Issue: 5 Dated: May 2000 Pages: 36-42
Date Published
May 2000
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This article reports on recent trends in police crime analysis and crime mapping.
Abstract
Today, police officers are using mapping and crime analysis systems with powerful databases behind them to provide advanced analysis of data in spatial mapping that is easier to comprehend. They also are looking to share this information across artificial boundaries through wireless palmtop computers and Internet mapping. Currently, law enforcement crime analysis is providing trend analysis, forecasting, and a holistic view of underlying causes. This information can help community leaders and law enforcement agencies make informed decisions and address issues cooperatively; for example, current crime analysis can combine housing statistics with recreational areas, overlay the data, and focus resources in areas of need. Link analysis assimilates a data file composed of links between a person, place, or thing and the relationship that connects them. Analysts can add strength values and validity values to make it more viable. In essence, it allows the investigator to create a "snapshot," a hierarchical, organizational chart of the criminal. Currently under development is the use of video technology that videotapes a crime scene, accompanied by a software the lays the exact latitude and longitudinal coordinates on top of the video track. These coordinates can also be tied into a map. Anyone who views the tape later can see the precise location of the crime. This article provides information on how to contact the companies whose software and technology are discussed in this article.