Predictive Policing

Predictive Policing

George Smith, Jr.

CIS 500: Information Systems for Decision-Making

Dr. Raied Salman

October 19, 2014

Predictive Policing

What exactly is Predictive Policing? “Predictive policing, with roots in business analytics, relies on using advanced technological tools and data analysis to take proactive measures to “pre-empt” crime” (“What’s Predictive Policing”, n.d., para. 1). Chief of Detectives Charlie Beck of the Los Angeles Police Department defines it in these terms:

With new technology, new business processes, and new algorithms, predictive policing is based on directed, information-based patrol; rapid response supported by fact-based prepositioning of assets; and proactive, intelligence-based tactics, strategy, and policy. The predictive-policing era promises measurable results, including crime reduction; more efficient police agencies; and modern, innovative policing (“What’s Predictive Policing?”, n.d., para. 3).

Use of Information Technology (IT) by Police to Reduce Crime vs. Random Street Patrol

Through the use of predictive policing, several police departments are now able to predict a crime before it ever even happens. This revolutionary, innovate method, which is based on the same technology as earthquake and other natural disaster prediction, is proving to be very beneficial to law enforcement in reducing crime. When looking at how this is implemented, Rosen (2013) states the following:

A number of police departments now supplement their investigative work with computer algorithms that can determine high-risk areas by looking at everything from where criminals live, to the availability of escape routes, to areas where potential victims might gather. Santa Cruz, one of the first cities in the nation to embrace predictive policing, partnered with academic researchers to develop software that determined the city's 15 most likely areas to experience crime. (para. 7)

An example of how this has worked can be noted by a 27 percent...