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Predictive Policing

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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 how to effectively deploy resources in front of crime, thereby changing outcomes," writes Charlie Beck, chief of the Los Angeles Police Department.[1] Beck told participants that perhaps the greatest benefit to predictive policing is the discovery of new or previously unknown patterns and trends." Pearsall, B. (2010, May). With respect to that, predictive policing can have boundless

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