This paper presents a systematization of research on four types of crime intelligence and technological capability centers, identifying current knowledge gaps; it reviews academic publications and gray literature to reveal evidence suggesting how those centers can improve criminal investigations of violent crimes; and it discusses the implications for future practice and scholarship.
Many United States law enforcement agencies have integrated their crime intelligence and technological capabilities into various ‘centers,’ including fusion centers, crime gun intelligence centers (CGICs), real-time crime centers (RTCCs), and crime information centers (CICs). Yet, despite their rapid diffusion, there is little understanding about the implementation, operations, and efficacy of these centers. This scoping review aims to systematize research on these four center types and identify knowledge gaps. The authors identified and reviewed 34 studies across 41 academic publications and gray literature. While most studies were methodologically limited, some evidence suggested that CGICs, RTCCs, and CICs can improve criminal investigations of violent crimes, with less information on their ability to prevent crime. There have also been no rigorous evaluations of fusion centers, despite comprising the largest share of studies in their review. The authors discuss the implications for practice and provide a roadmap for future scholarship. (Published Abstract Provided)