Benefits Of Crime Analysis In Law Enforcement

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Information technology (IT) is important to the application of crime analysis in law enforcement. Crime analysis is the review of data collected and/or stored in order to identify trends of criminal activities so that the police can effectively adjust to deter that crime and continue to protect the public’s safety. According to Foster (2013), “The use of IT in law enforcement is rapidly expanding. Indeed, in 1996 it is estimated that state and local governments spent an estimated $3.5 billion on information technology goods and services, and they were expected to spend as much as $4.5 billion in 2001.” The question remains though about how information technology is used in crime analysis. Today, I will identify and explain what types of technology are necessary for accurate crime analysis; Identify four methods of collecting, storing, and retrieving information needed for crime analysis; and analyze the benefits of crime analysis to the community and to law enforcement. Crime analysis relies on many different sources of …show more content…

The community would benefit from the police enhancing their relationship, through a community-oriented policing approach, and raising awareness about the criminal activities taking place in that area so they can be avoided. The community may also see an initiative to improve their public areas (parks, schools, etc.) because a crime analysis may show these areas are targeted due to a poor design that needs to be changed. Law enforcement benefits because crime analysis encourages communication and builds relationships between departments and other government entities. Crime analysis also allows police departments to review trends and adjust their staffing accordingly in order to counter act potential criminal activities. Due to these reasons, you can see why crime analysis is a benefit to both the community and law

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