Introduction to Crime Analysis

Book excerpt: This book offers a practical guide and resource for those in law enforcement who analyze crime. The target audience is those new to crime analysis, however many resources are presented that should be useful to more experienced crime analysts as well. Chapter 1 provides an introduction of crime analysis, including the challenges involved in defining crime analysis and the reasons for analyzing crimes. The basic types of crime analysis used in most local law enforcement agencies are described, and the authors point out that most agencies are moving toward tactical and strategic methods of crime analysis. Chapter 2 focuses on the tools of crime analysis. Computer skills are an important component of crime analysis, as demonstrated by the many Internet links provided as resources throughout the book. The importance of knowing the law, the investigative process, and modern policing strategies are also underscored in chapter 2. Linkage analysis, statistical analysis, profiling, and spatial analysis are also addressed in this chapter. Chapter 3 describes the stages of crime analysis: evidence collection, collation, analysis, dissemination, feedback, and evaluation. The Intelligence Cycle of crime analysis is also briefly presented. Chapter 4 turns to a discussion of geographic information systems analysis. Creating crime maps and mapping other data for crime analysis is reviewed and points on privacy issues are offered. Chapter 5 presents many of the crime analysis products available for purchase, including a description of the types of administrative crime analysis reports, intelligence analysis products, and a listing of resources for crime analysis products. Chapter 6 offers advice for the new crime analyst, while chapter 7 discusses the creation of a crime analysis unit. Policies and procedures for such a unit are reviewed and the marketing and funding of a crime analysis unit are discussed. The authors describe how to Measure the success of a crime analysis unit and share crime analysis success stories. Chapter 8 moves into a discussion of education and training resources, including training options for those in law enforcement and education and training offered by colleges and universities. Finally, chapter 9 presents resources for the new crime analyst, including agency resources, publications, and Internet sites.