Premium Essay

Predictive Policing

In:

Submitted By prettymomma3
Words 1264
Pages 6
1. Compare and contrast the application of information technology (IT) to optimize police departments’ performance to reduce crime versus random patrols of the streets.
Using information technology to fight crime by the police officers is becoming increasingly effective in apprehending the crime perpetrators. Predictive policing, or programs such as COMPSTAT, is taking data from disparate sources, analyzing them and then using the results to anticipate, prevent and respond more effectively to future crime. “The predictive vision moves law enforcement from focusing on what will happen and how to effectively deploy resources in front of the crime, thereby changing outcomes,” writes Charlie Beck, chief of the Los Angeles Police Department (Predictive Policing: The Future of Law Enforcement, NIJ, 2012).
Community policing is the practice that emphasizes foot patrols that allow officers to develop relationships on their beats and thereby lets the community help set law enforcement priorities. Both practices show police presence and patrolling in the communities, however, programs like COMPSTAT that use statistical data only gives part of the picture. Even though the application of IT in policing can help to reduce crime in targeted areas based on the data provided, any data-driven approach to a problem results in the lack of understanding of an issue as a whole. Community policing offers the officers the opportunity to understand the “why” of crime rather than the simple “what, where and how often” that the COMPSTAT data offers. It requires change from traditional to strong strategically set methods combined with better intelligence. This initially led to the innovation of predictive policing in 1994 by NYPD. This paved way for evolution of COMPSTAT (Computer Statistics) which used all crime related data as its input to anticipate a crime. Findings of Willis, J.,

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

Predictive Policing

...Predictive Policing By Amiracle L. Grace CIS500 Information Systems for Decision Making Professor Constance Blanson Strayer University July 16, 2014 ABSTRACT You will briefly read about Table of Contents Introduction 4 Application of IT 5 Four IS Functions 6 IT and Crime Prevention 7 SWOT Analysis 7 Future of Predictive Policing 8 REFERENCES 9 Introduction In previous and the most recent years, police officers have increased their use of new technologies to become more effective when it comes to reducing crime. The oldest technology that has been used is COMPSTAT formerly known as Computer Statistics. COMPSTAT has been around to implement strategies in law enforcement on stopping crime before it starts. COMPSTAT builds onto the UCR (Uniform Crime Report) to analyze which crime is being mostly committed, the county (or city), which age group and ethnicity is committing those crimes. COMPSTAT relies on human recognition patterns based on past crimes (Goode, 2011). In 1994, COMPSTAT was developed within the New York Police Departments. The New York Police Department used COMPSTAT to manage crime. COMPSTAT has been proven to be extremely effective within the New York Police Department. It has become a great success in controlling crimes and its disorder within the police jurisdiction. COMPSTAT is used for strategic decision-making when targeting crime in areas of the city. COMPSTAT is a database that includes daily crime counts by each precinct (Henry, ). In the beginning...

Words: 1524 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Predictive Policing

...Crimes have been committed since the beginning of time. Early crime fighting or policing had the task of solving crimes with limited resources. Police departments for a long time used telephones, two way radios and vehicles to solve crimes, but as technology evolved, so did policing. Policing “is more streamlined and efficient now that computers play a major role in the way police officers work” (Brown, 2013). Police departments now utilize information technologies like dashboard cameras, laptops in their vehicles, GPS units, forensics work and fingerprint and criminal databases. CompStat is an information technology strategy that was adopted in New York City in 1994. It allows the police department to map areas where crimes occur, identify problem areas and “hotspots” within the city. It essentially predicts a crime before it happens. This allows the department to place officers in the proper areas, so that arrests can be made or so that crimes can be avoided. Police officers are more equipped to fight crime with information technology just performing random patrols of the streets. CompStat gives officers specific details so that they know exactly where to direct their attention. Simply patrolling the streets allows officers to have more of a community presence and build relationships with citizens of the city. CompStat’s output is based on past crimes, so patrolling the streets would make officers more accessible to adrress crimes that are happening for the first...

Words: 1158 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Predictive Policing

...Predictive Policing By Jamia Yant April 13th, 2012 In order to effectively compare and contrast the application of information technology (IT) to optimize police departments’ performance to reduce crime versus random patrols of the streets, we first have to look at exactly what information technology is available to police today. The term predictive policing is the name given to “any policing strategy or tactic that develops and uses information and advanced analysis to inform forward-thinking crime prevention”. (Predictive Policing Symposium, 2010) The five elements of predictive policing focusing on are integrated information and operations, seeing the big picture, cutting-edge analysis and technology, linkage to performance, adaptability to changing conditions. There are a very large number of ways technology used to implement these five elements: patrol staffing and resource allocation, time and location of future incidence in a crime pattern, identify individuals who are likely to reoffend/early detection of career criminals, analysis of predatory patterns, threat and vulnerability assessment, city/neighborhood planning, traffic management, crowd control …and the list goes on. In a world where technology is developing and evolving faster than it can be implemented, it is realistic to assume that the police force would adapt and use that technology to place them in a good position to be able to adequately and effectively do its job. The first element...

Words: 1562 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Predictive Policing

...Predictive Policing Elizabeth Lancaster Strayer University Information Systems for Decision Making CIS500 Dr. Rose July 10, 2014 Predictive Policing Predictive policing, in essence, is taking data from disparate sources, analyzing them and then using the results to anticipate, prevent and respond more effectively to future crime (Pearsall, n.d). In an attempt to effectively compare and contrast the application of information technology (IT) to optimize police departments’ performance to reduce crime versus random patrols of the streets, first you need to examine what information technology is available to police today. The term predictive policing is the name given to “any policing strategy or tactic that develops and uses information and advanced analysis to inform forward-thinking crime prevention” (Predictive Policing Symposium, 2010). Information technology is “the collection of computing systems used by the organization” (Turban & Volonino, 2011). Information technology (IT) is used to optimize the performance of police departments’ and reduce crime where prior to information technology, it was necessary for police officers to physically, patrol the streets in random locations in order to reduce crime. Police use information technology tools at almost every stage, including allocation of sources, patrolling, crime prevention, crime tracking, hot pursuits, and crime solving. New technologies have changed drastically in our ways of thinking, our perceptions, our...

Words: 2074 - Pages: 9

Premium Essay

Predictive Policing

...1. Compare and contrast the application of information technology (IT) to optimize police departments’ performance to reduce crime versus random patrols of the streets. Information Technology and Performance optimization of Police department Increase in crime rate, which is widespread demands policing to be proactive rather than reactive. It requires change from traditional to strong strategically methods combined with better intelligence. This initially led to the innovation of predictive policing in 1994 by NYPD. NIJ defines Predictive Policing as “taking data from disparate sources, analyzing them and then using the results to anticipate, prevent and respond more effectively to future crime” This paved way for evolution of COMPSTAT (Computer Statistics) which used all crime related data as its input to anticipate a crime. (Willis, J., et al, 2004) Traditional methods include random patrolling which has limited ability to identify crime because patrolling entire location may not be possible. This would involve additional Police personnel and lot of time. Accurate anticipation, timely targeted action and reduce resources for random patrolling turns into achievable goals. 2. Describe how COMPSTAT, as an information system (IS), implements the four (4) basic IS functions: Input - Data gathering process which is building block of COMPSTAT comprises of information compiled from variety of sources like police incidents, arrest reports, suspect debriefing, telephone...

Words: 1117 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Predictive Policing

...500 – Information Systems for Decision Making Name: Sindhura Garikapati Assignment Title: Predictive Policing Professor: Dr. Mark Cohen Date: 8 July 2014 ABSTRACT Predictive policing relies on using advanced technological tools and data analysis to take proactive measures to pre-empt crime. Predictive policing is the advanced strategy of using information systems to forecast future crime and take necessary measures to prevent them. Los Angeles police department Chief of Detectives Charlie Beck defines it this way – “With new technology, new business processes, and new algorithms, predictive policing is based on directed, information-based patrol; rapid response supported by fact-based prepositioning of assets; and proactive, intelligence-based tactics, strategy, and policy. The predictive-policing era promises measurable results, including crime reduction; more efficient police agencies; and modern, innovative policing.”(©ACLU of Massachusetts) TOPIC 1 Compare and contrast the application of information technology (IT) to optimize police departments’ performance to reduce crime versus random patrols of the streets. The professional era of policing began in the 1960’s when the policing strategy was based largely on random patrol, rapid response and reactive investigation. Unfortunately...

Words: 1910 - Pages: 8

Premium Essay

Predictive Policing

...Understanding Predictive Policing Christian Turner CIS 500 - Information Systems Decision Making Dr. Edwin Otto 10/23/13 In today's fast-paced world, we are always looking for ways to improve the processes that we have in place. Not only to make these processes more efficient, but to also have a more effective way to complete tasks from the smallest detail to the largest project. With the influx of importance on information technology in our society, it is no surprise that we can use software for process improvement as well. Predictive policing is a perfect example of this combination of a proven process and information technology coming together to create an effective tool. Compstat (COMPuter STATistics) is one such tool that has optimized police departments abilities to predict and reduce crime when compared to random street patrols. Our society is sophisticated on many levels and crime is no different. Just as we have advancements on the positive aspects of life, the negative aspects are advancing right alongside. Predictive policing, "taking data from disparate sources, analyzing them and then using the results to anticipate, prevent and respond more effectively to future crime", can and has been a great positive advancement for mitigating and in some cases stopping crime altogether. Pearsall, B. (2010, May). "Predictive policing entails becoming less reactive. "The predictive vision moves law enforcement from focusing on what happened to focusing on what will happen and...

Words: 1349 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Predictive Policing

...Predictive Policing CIS 500 Information System Decision Making January 16, 2013 In an effort to effectively compare and contrast the application of information technology (IT) to optimize police departments’ performance to reduce crime versus random patrols of the streets, we first need to examine what information technology is available to police and further more what information technology means. Information technology is “the collection of computing systems used by an organization” (Turban & Volonino, 2011). According to the Omega Group, who does analysis and mapping with patrol and fire response for successful implementation strategies, the definition of predictive policing as stated by NIJ (A National Discussion on Predictive Policing) is “any policing strategy or tactic that develops and uses information and advanced analysis to inform forward-thinking crime prevention” [ (Silva, 2012) ]. Technology is used in conjunction with predictive policing to implement different information and operations such as crowd control, police patrol, early detection of repeat offenders, traffic control and management, and even neighborhood watches. Today information technology (IT) is used to optimize the performance of police departments’ and reduce crime however in the past random patrols of the streets was the way that police reduced crimes. Before the 90’s New York City had a high crime rate but since the implementation of a data driven management model named COMPSTAT the...

Words: 1515 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Predictive Policing

...PREDICTIVE POLICING STEFANIE SHEFFIELD KEGAN SAMUEL CIS 500 APRIL 21, 2014 Compare and contrast the application of information technology (IT) to optimize police departments’ performance to reduce crime versus patrols on the street. The process of using the application of information technology (IT) to optimize police departments’ performance is known as Predictive Policing. “Predictive policing, in essence, is taking data from disparate sources, analyzing them and then using the results to anticipate, prevent and respond more effectively to future crime.” (Pearsall, 2010) This technology allows police to predict the problem areas and place officers in those areas in an effort to deter the predicted crimes. Quit simply put, it enable law enforcement agents to be proactive as opposed to reactive. “Predictive policing entails becoming less reactive. The predictive vision moves law enforcement from focusing on what happened to focusing on what will happen and how to effectively deploy resources in front of crime, thereby changing outcomes," (Pearsall, 2010) In comparison to just placing beat cops on random corners, not knowing what could occur, predictive policing is definitely enables officers to anticipate what may occur, allowing them to optimize their police resources. Describe how COMPSTAT, as an information system (IS) implements the (4) basic IS functions: Input, Processing, Output, and Feedback. “The CompStat model is a management process within a performance...

Words: 1275 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Predictive Policing

...Predictive Policing By Jamia Yant April 13th, 2012 According to mirriam-webster dictionary, optimization means “an act, process, or methodology of making something (as a design, system, or decision) as fully perfect, functional, or effective as possible” So if we compare the optimization of the police force by using information technology versus random patrol of street we have to look at what each is. For the use of application technology we also have to look at what kind of technology is available for use by the police force today. One of the most commonly used term is predictive policing. Predictive policing is “any policing strategy or tactic that develops and uses information and advanced analysis to inform forward-thinking crime prevention”. (Predictive Policing Symposium, 2010) There are five elements that are focused on predictive policing. They are: * Integrated information and operations * Seeing the big picture * Cutting edge analysis and technology * Linkage to performance * Adaptibility to changing conditions. There are mnay ways in which technology is used to implement these elements. Some of them are looking at the time and and location of future indcidence in crime pattern or series Identifying individuals likely to reoffend, social network analysis and early identifications of carreer criminals etc. Looking at the broad picture of predictive policing we can see that it would not have been possible without information technology...

Words: 1290 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Predictive Policing

...Predictive Policing Information Technology deals with the use of computers and telecommunications to store, retrieve and transmit information. New IT capabilities (e.g., e-commerce and social networks) strongly influence competitive strategies and the efficiency of operations. New IT developments are important to all business disciplines because they trigger changes in marketing, operations, e-commerce, logistics, human resources, finance, accounting, and relationships with customers and business partners. Nothing about business or corporate strategy is untouched by IT. Information technology is used in a wide variety of business organizations like Wal-Mart, Galeries Lafayette. The IT has also been applied to optimize police departments’ performance to reduce crime. The following points illustrate the use of IT to optimize police departments’ performance to reduce crime. • It stores the data of the previous crimes in a single location for easy access. Whereas with street patrolling accessing of data regarding previous crimes takes some extra efforts as the data is not in a single location. • We can apply certain logics and calculations on the collected data to come up with some predictions. With street patrolling, based on the previous data and experience we come up with some predictions • The output of such a prediction is a report that gives the location and time of where the crime will occur. With street patrolling no such reports are available and the prediction is...

Words: 1579 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Predictive Policing

...This paper will compare and contrast the application of information technology (IT) to optimize police departments’ performance to reduce crime versus random patrols of the streets. It will describe how COMSTAT as an information system (IS) implements the four (4) basic (IS) functions; and it will determine how information systems have allowed police departments that implement tools such as COMPSTAT to respond to crime faster. Finally, this paper will apply the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats analysis (SWOT analysis) on behalf of police departments that intend to implement predictive policing. Compare and contrast the application of information technology (IT) to optimize police departments’ performance to reduce crime versus random patrols of the streets. Information technology is used by a lot of business organizations for its use of computers and telecommunications to store, retrieve and transmit information. In fact, its e-commerce and social network capabilities strongly influence competitive strategies and the efficiency of operations. As a result, police departments have applied IT in an effort to optimize their departments’ performance to reduce crime. To do so, police departments are using IT for the following reasons: it stores the data of the previous crimes in a single location for easy access, but with street patrolling accessing of data regarding previous crimes takes some extra efforts because the data is not in a single location...

Words: 1471 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Predictive Policing

...Predictive Policing | : CIS 500 Information System Decision-Making There are several advantages to the new strategy known as Predictive policing which is multi-disciplinary, law enforcement-based strategy that brings together advanced technologies, criminological theory, predictive analysis, and tactical operations that ultimately lead to results and outcomes -- crime reduction, management efficiency, and safer communities. It is also a tool to increase odds of stopping crime, a technology for any jurisdiction of any size, a training tool to bring newer police up to speed more quickly, information available immediately where and when it is needed. There are advantages and disadvantages to the predictive policing system. Some advantages are: safer cities, less street patrolling to prevent crimes, actually preventing crimes before they occur and have a negative effect on the potential victim in any way. There are some disadvantages to predictive policing: Predictive policing will only target neighborhoods and areas that have high crimes rates. It may cause neighborhoods where crime doesn’t usually occur to go unnoticed or have higher response time. The predictive policing is a great technical system to utilize to maintain safer cities, reduced crime, and productive police force. The police department will have to seek IT administrators to maintain the database for high crime locations. Most repeated crimes occur in the same areas or locations. This will require reduced...

Words: 1219 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Predictive Policing

...Assignment 1: Predictive Policing CIS 500 Information Systems for Decision Making Instructor: Dr. Constance D. Blanson Date: January 19th, 2014 Written By: Shawn Jesse Ellerby –MSIS Graduate Student Law enforcement is one of America’s oldest profession that upholds the law and provides peace to the community dating back to 1630. According to the National Law Enforcement Museum web site it states that. “In 1833, Philadelphia organized an independent, 24-hour police force. In 1838, the Boston Police force was established, with a day police and night watch working independently. New York City followed suit in 1844, becoming the New York City Police Department in 1845. Police departments were now headed by police chiefs who were appointed by political leaders. While it still had its flaws, this “new” method of policing more closely resembles a modern day police force.” (Johnson, 2012). Over the years officials in law enforcement have spent countless years making crime reduction their number one priority. Every police chief or sheriff that takes command of a department wants to reduce crime in the city or county they command. There has also been mixed reviews on how crime reduction that can be done, while some believe in random patrol, whether it be done by foot, bike, or car, others believe that predictive policing is the new technology in American’s next crime fighting tool. In my opinion, giving my law enforcement background, I have seen both random patrols and predictive policing...

Words: 1783 - Pages: 8

Premium Essay

Predictive Policing

...Predictive Policing Predictive Policing The idea of Predictive Policing suggests that prevention of a crime rather than solving it. Information Technology can play a vital role in shaping the future of Law Enforcements. Businesses have already applied data analysis and predicting industry trends. For example, Wal-Mart noticed that three items: duct tape, bottled water and strawberry pop-tarts are high in demand after a major weather event. So, it stocked sufficiently these items, before a major weather crisis and turned Information into knowledge and eventually monetized it for more profit. (Pearsall, 2010) Similarly, Law Enforcements can apply data analysis tool and attempt to predict future events or habits. Predictive policing forecasts future crimes by taking raw data and analyzing with mathematical algorithm, to prevent and respond more effectively and efficiently. Use of Information System makes the police officers to be able to know where a crime may potentiality happen, and their presence ahead of time to help prevent it. Whereas random patrolling has the potential of missing the crimes area and that give criminals more opportunity to commit their criminal act. Using technology, police helps them to arrive at the crime scene as early as possible; this helps the offices to trace the criminals and apprehend them. Predictive policing is focused on becoming more proactive. “The predictive vision moves law enforcement from focusing on what happened to focusing...

Words: 1566 - Pages: 7