NCJ Number
124018
Date Published
1989
Length
163 pages
Annotation
A research project that focused on the geography of crime used crime data from Chicago to develop and implement a computer-assisted crime analysis strategy for use by police and community groups.
Abstract
The project rested on the assumption that the computer should aid the efforts but not replace human decisionmaking and that statistical analysis is insufficient by itself for the determination of crime patterns. The strategy was called the Microcomputer-Assisted Police Analysis and Deployment System (MAPADS) and used graphic techniques to develop maps that combined data from different sources to show crime patterns in specific beats. The system has enabled detectives to search for crime patterns more easily, permitted proactive management by the district manager, and improved relationships between the police and community organizations. Detailed description of the system, maps, glossary, appended procedure manual and related information, and 90 references.