NCJ Number
217502
Date Published
June 2006
Length
70 pages
Annotation
Based on the experiences of law enforcement agencies that participated in the Problem-Solving Partnerships Program, this guidebook provides police practitioners with a resource for conducting problem analysis.
Abstract
Problem-solving is based in the belief that patterns and trends that reflect the causes of a problem can be discovered. Analysis is the key to detecting these patterns and planning an effective response. According to Herman Goldstein, "Analysis requires the acquisition of detailed information about offenders, victims, and others who may be involved in a problem, the time of occurrence, locations, details about the physical environment, the motivations, gains and losses of all involved parties, and the results of current responses." This guidebook first discusses the creation of the foundation for analysis. This section addresses the order of analysis, the analysis team, the generation of useful analysis questions, analysis length, principles of analysis, and impediments to conducting analysis. The guidebook then focuses on analysis tools for problem-solving. Topics covered include police data, designing and conducting surveys, focus groups, interviews, environmental surveys, observations, and mapping. Other issues considered are the role of community partners in analysis, the reporting of analysis results, and transition to response. 9 references and 24 recommended readings