Mapping and Analysing Crime Data

The book sets out methods used in the field of Geographical Information Systems and highlights areas of best practice, examines the types of problems to which spatial crime analysis can be applied and reviews capabilties and limitations.
Crime mapping and the spatial analysis of crime data have become recognized as powerful tools for the study and control of crime. Much of the emerging demand for more information and detailed crime pattern analysis has been driven by legislative changes, such as the UK's new "Crime and Disorder Act" which has placed a joint statutory duty on police forces and local authorities to produce Crime and Disorder Audits for their areas. This book sets out methods used in the field of Geographical Information Systems and highlights areas of best practice, examines the types of problems to which spatial crime analysis can be applied, reviews the capabilities and limitations of existing techniques and explores the future directions of spatial crime analysis and the need for training. It centres on a series of case studies highlighting the experiences of academics and practitioners in agencies centrally involved in the partnership approach to crime prevention.