CRIME ANALYSIS

Michael Dhooghe

Crime analysis is a law enforcement agency function whereby information relating to crime is collected, analyzed, and disseminated.  Crime analysis represents a system utilizing regularly collected information on reported crimes and criminals to prevent and suppress crime and to apprehend criminal offenders.  Crime analysis is a scientific process, in the sense that it involves the collection of valid and reliable data, employs systematic techniques of analysis, and seeks to determine, for predictive purposes, the frequency with which events occur and the extent to which they are associated with other events.  Collecting and analyzing readily available crime data and making the information regularly available to line officers and investigators which can make them more effective in their role.

Crime Analysis can be divided into three categories:

Administrative Analysis - Examining crime data and aggregate crime information to support administrative decisions relating to budget, policy, staffing, and intra- and interagency-relations.

Strategic Analysis and Planning - Analysis and planning that is intended to addresses crime trends, crime patterns, crime trend forecasting, resource allocation and  situational analysis, based on given geographical locations, specific crime type, and seasonal fluctuation and special events.

Tactical Analysis and Planning - Analysis that is intended to address crime series/pattern detection, suspect-crime correlations, target/suspect profiles and crime potential forecasts based on specific areas, crime series, modus operandi, and specific times and suspect information.  Examples of tactical plans include directed patrol  projects, undercover campaigns, and raids.

The crime analysis function is intended to provide useful information to aid operational personnel in meeting crime control and crime prevention objectives by analyzing and identifying methods of operation, providing crime patterns, if any, and providing analysis of data from field interviews and arrests.  This information is also used to enable the establishment of long-term plans and priorities.  Among some of its current uses are:

Crime analysis information is utilized by District, Unit and Division Commanders in the development of plans for directed patrol, stakeouts, and other tactical operations.  

Crime analysis is used in decision making related to resource allocation, personnel distribution, determining the priority of objectives, and other strategic planning.   

Crime analysis information is used in long-range budgeting, staffing requests, and other administrative activities.