Recent years in North America have seen a rapid development in the area of crime analysis and mapping using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology. In 1996, the US National Institute of Justice (NIJ) established the crime mapping research center (CMRC), to promote research, evaluation, development, and dissemination of GIS technology. The long-term goal is to develop a fully functional Crime Analysis System (CAS) with standardized data collection and reporting mechanisms, tools for spatial and temporal analysis, visualization of data and much more. Among the drawbacks of current crime analysis systems is their lack of tools for spatial analysis. For this reason, spatial analysts should research which current analysis techniques (or variations of such techniques) that have been already successfully applied to other areas (e.g., epidemiology, location-allocation analysis, etc.) can also be employed to the spatial analysis of crime data. This book presents a few of those cases.

Geographical Information System and Crime Mapping features a diverse array of Geographic Information System (GIS) applications in crime analysis, from general issues such as GIS as a communication process, interjurisdictional mapping and data sharing to specific applications in tracking serial killers and predicting violence-prone zones. It supports readers in developing and implementing crime mapping techniques. The distribution of crime is explained with reference to theories of human ecology, transport network, built environment, housing markets, and forms of urban management, including policing. Concepts are supported with relevant case studies and real-time crime data to illustrate concepts and applications of crime mapping. Aimed at senior undergraduate, graduate students, professionals in GIS, Crime Analysis, Spatial Analysis, Ergonomics and human factors, this book: Provides an update of GIS applications for crime mapping studies Highlights growing potential of GIS for crime mapping, monitoring, and reduction through developing and implementing crime mapping techniques Covers Operational Research, Spatial Regression model, Point Analysis and so forth Builds models helpful in police patrolling, surveillance and crime mapping from a technology perspective Includes a dedicated section on case studies including exercises and data samples

Geographical Information System and Crime Mapping features a diverse array of Geographic Information System (GIS) applications in crime analysis, from general issues such as GIS as a communication process, interjurisdictional mapping and data sharing to specific applications in tracking serial killers and predicting violence-prone zones. It supports readers in developing and implementing crime mapping techniques. The distribution of crime is explained with reference to theories of human ecology, transport network, built environment, housing markets, and forms of urban management, including policing. Concepts are supported with relevant case studies and real-time crime data to illustrate concepts and applications of crime mapping. Aimed at senior undergraduate, graduate students, professionals in GIS, Crime Analysis, Spatial Analysis, Ergonomics and human factors, this book: Provides an update of GIS applications for crime mapping studies Highlights growing potential of GIS for crime mapping, monitoring, and reduction through developing and implementing crime mapping techniques Covers Operational Research, Spatial Regression model, Point Analysis and so forth Builds models helpful in police patrolling, surveillance and crime mapping from a technology perspective Includes a dedicated section on case studies including exercises and data samples

A variety of disciplines and professions have embraced geospatial technologies for collecting, storing, manipulating, analyzing and displaying spatial data to investigate crime, prosecute and convict offenders, exonerate suspects and submit evidence in civil lawsuits. The applications, acceptability and relevance and procedural legality of each geospatial technologies vary. The purpose of this book is to explain the nature of geospatial technologies, demonstrate a variety of geospatial applications used to investigate and litigate civil and criminal activities and to provide a reference of current acceptability of geospatial technology in the production of evidence. This book is an introductory overview designed to appeal to researchers and practitioners across disciplinary boundaries. The authors of this book are researchers and practitioners across disciplines and professions, experts in the field.

The growing potential of GIS for supporting policing and crime reduction is now being recognised by a broader community. GIS can be employed at different levels to support operational policing, tactical crime mapping, detection, and wider-ranging strategic analyses. With the use of GIS for crime mapping increasing, this book provides a definitive reference. GIS and Crime Mapping provides essential information and reference material to support readers in developing and implementing crime mapping. Relevant case studies help demonstrate the key principles, concepts and applications of crime mapping. This book combines the topics of theoretical principles, GIS, analytical techniques, data processing solutions, information sharing, problem-solving approaches, map design, and organisational structures for using crime mapping for policing and crime reduction. Delivered in an accessible style, topics are covered in a manner that underpins crime mapping use in the three broad areas of operations, tactics and strategy. Provides a complete start-to-finish coverage of crime mapping, including theory, scientific methodologies, analysis techniques and design principles. Includes a comprehensive presentation of crime mapping applications for operational, tactical and strategic purposes. Includes global case studies and examples to demonstrate good practice. Co-authored by Spencer Chainey, a leading researcher and consultant on GIS and crime mapping, and Jerry Ratcliffe, a renowned professor and former police officer. This book is essential reading for crime analysts and other professionals working in intelligence roles in law enforcement or crime reduction, at the local, regional and national government levels. It is also an excellent reference for undergraduate and Masters students taking courses in GIS, Geomatics, Crime Mapping, Crime Science, Criminal Justice and Criminology.

The Encyclopedia of RESEARCH METHODS IN CRIMINOLOGY & CRIMINAL JUSTICE The most comprehensive reference work on research designs and methods in criminology and criminal justice This Encyclopedia of Research Methods in Criminology and Criminal Justice offers a comprehensive survey of research methodologies and statistical techniques that are popular in criminology and criminal justice systems across the globe. With contributions from leading scholars and practitioners in the field, it offers a clear insight into the techniques that are currently in use to answer the pressing questions in criminology and criminal justice. The Encyclopedia contains essential information from a diverse pool of authors about research designs grounded in both qualitative and quantitative approaches. It includes information on popular datasets and leading resources of government statistics. In addition, the contributors cover a wide range of topics such as: the most current research on the link between guns and crime, rational choice theory, and the use of technology like geospatial mapping as a crime reduction tool. This invaluable reference work: Offers a comprehensive survey of international research designs, methods, and statistical techniques Includes contributions from leading figures in the field Contains data on criminology and criminal justice from Cambridge to Chicago Presents information on capital punishment, domestic violence, crime science, and much more Helps us to better understand, explain, and prevent crime Written for undergraduate students, graduate students, and researchers, The Encyclopedia of Research Methods in Criminology and Criminal Justice is the first reference work of its kind to offer a comprehensive review of this important topic.