Comstat

Assignment 1

Dr. Albert C. Dominic

CIS500

7/13/14

To effectively compare and contrast application of information technology (IT) to optimize police departments’ performance to reduce crime versus random patrols of the streets, we first need to have a coherent understand of CompStat, the data drive management model introduced to the New York City Policy Department in 1994. The CompStat model is a management process within a performance management framework that synthesizes analysis of crime and disorder data, strategic problem solving, and a clear accountability structure. Ideally, CompStat can facilitate accurate and timely analysis of crime and disorder data, which is used to identify crime patterns and problems. Based on this analysis, tailored responses are implemented through rapid deployment of personnel and resources. (Weisburd et al., 2003) In other words, it is setting up an accountable structure that ensures the analysis is acted upon and the responses are implemented correctly as well as assessing whether the responses are effective in reducing crime and disorder. This marks the start of IT implementation in police work. Compare this to the traditional approach to carry out the police obligation, this implementation has made police work more efficient and effective, officers now spent more time satisfying accountability requirements, doing paperwork, planning, organizing or analyzing information and supervising or checking the work of the staff. (Boba, R., & Santos, R. 2011) The introduction of IT also led to officers spending less time patrolling the streets, interacting with members of the community and informing citizens on the progress of their case. Contrast to the random patrols of the streets, the strategic foundation of this predictive policing is more decisive. The conventional police work of reporting, collecting, and compiling data are necessary but not sufficient to increase public safety. The public safety community...