gative leads, and proactively identify emerging problem spots. Established and emerging analytical techniques can im- mensely improve an agency’s effectiveness and ultimately put resources where they are most needed. Fully realized, the re- sult could be a force multiplier capability unlike anything law enforcement has previously seen.
The key to this happening is making all of an agency’s ‘dots’ visible and subject to analysis so consideration can be given to relevance when viewed as a whole, not individually. Unfor- tunately, even when agencies have the data in their systems, it’s seldom being fully utilized and more often than not, there are more missed opportunities than success stories. Here are some tips to move your department toward more effective data usage.
Sort Out Your Databases
First, take an objective look at your current systems to include computer aided dispatch (CAD), records management systems (RMS), automatic license plate reader (ALPR) systems, investi- gative case management and one-off, in-house databases that have been compiled by well-meaning personnel who are try- ing to track incidents for which they have responsibility. It is this last area that often presents the greatest challenge because these databases become silos of information that other areas of the department either cannot access or they’re unaware the information even exists. This becomes especially problematic when the person who was maintaining the database moves on. Once you have a handle on the different systems and the type of information they contain, assess which are capable of any type of analysis. For instance, is your CAD system capable of using geo-temporal analysis to watch for emerging spikes in activity (such as a surge in calls for service)? For those systems that are capable of analysis, can they ingest data from other sources?
For example, is your ALPR system capable of merging other license plate data, such as tickets or traffi c accidents, to provide a more complete picture of vehicle movements and relationships? If so, what are the requirements? Does the sys- tem require complex conversion of the data or is it capable of ingesting data that is exported in a National Information Exchange Model (NIEM) compliant format?
NIEM has been a long-term effort to improve data sharing capability and the number of applications that embrace the
NIEM standard and facilitate sharing of data is growing. For more information, as well as ways to participate, check their website. If you fi nd none of your systems currently have ana- lytic capability and/or they don’t have the ability to effectively ingest other data sources, keep reading. There are options.
Crime Analysis Software
Determine if your agency is using any type of third-party crime analysis software and, if so, which of your department data sources are being accessed. The quickest way to deter- mine the answer is to go to whoever is tasked with compiling crime statistics or tracking crime series.
Some departments are fortunate and have a dedicated and trained crime analyst but many agencies rely on an investiga- tor or offi cer who just seems to know how to get the most out of the department databases. Regardless, this person should be able to provide you with a good indicator of what your current capabilities are and they probably have pretty strong feelings about what could be done to make more effi cient use of your current data.
If none of your systems have signifi cant analytic capability or if the analysis is insuffi cient to meet your needs, continue with your assessment of your existing systems and document the types of information available in each as well as any export or data sharing capability the systems may have. Once this agency-wide assessment of data systems is complete, check for additional information sources and/or analysis capability that may be in use by non-law enforcement governmental entities operating within your jurisdiction.
For instance, if you’re a municipal police agency, check your city’s planning or traffi c engineering department to see if they have data or software that may be of benefi t, especially if they are involved with an area commonly known as GIS (Geo- graphical Information Systems). GIS capabilities are coming on strong and are rapidly being embraced by many law enforce- ment agencies because they can turn mountains of incompre- hensible data into a powerful and quickly assimilated visual representation.
Properly done, GIS can be the most powerful tool to deter- mine where resources are most needed. If you fi nd this type of system in use by another division within your city or county, see if there is a possibility of gaining legitimate access to the software through additional licensing or upgrade. If so, this
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