Applications of Computer Mapping to Police Operations

Computer mapping is a rapidly developing technique that can assist police departments in a variety of ways. Computer mapping techniques can be classified into three general categories: descriptive, analytical and interactive mapping. Descriptive mapping shows data in a pin map or shaded area format. Analytical mapping starts with analysis of data followed by automatically displaying the results on a map. such as the identification and display of crime "hot spots" in a city. Interactive mapping allows a user to cycle through a series of steps starting with making queries against a database, mapping the results, making a decision from the maps and starting anew with another query. This chapter provides examples of each type, with emphasis on how computer mapping can assist police operations. The final sections discuss the steps necessary to establish a computer mapping system, and what we can expect in the future. Computerized mapping is a rapidly developing technology that assists police departments in strategic planning, operations and crime analysis. In this chapter, we explore the benefits of computerized mapping by describing a variety of applications for police departments. These applications range from the production of simple pin maps to interactive mapping for geographical analysis. This chapter has four major sections. First, an overview of the evolution of mapping technology in the law enforcement field is presented. Second, several mapping techniques used by law enforcement agencies are disAddress correspondence to: Thomas McEwen, Institute for Law and Justice, 1018 Duke Street, Alexandria, VA 22314.