Crime Analysis Section
Introduction
The Crime Analysis Section is staffed by three employees: a Supervisory Crime Analyst, and two Crime Analysts. The section also offers internship opportunities for students in the field of criminal justice, geographic information systems (GIS) and public administration.
What Is Crime Analysis?
A set of systematic, analytical processes directed at providing timely and pertinent information relative to crime patterns and trend correlations to assist the operational and administrative personnel in planning the deployment of resources for the prevention and suppression of criminal activities, aiding the investigative process, and increasing apprehensions and the clearance of cases.
Within this context, Crime Analysis supports a number of department functions including patrol deployment, special operations, and tactical units, investigations, planning and research, crime prevention, and administrative services (budgeting and program planning). --Steven Gottlieb et al., 1994, "Crime Analysis: From First Report To Final Arrest."
What Role Does The Crime Analysis Unit Play Within The APD?
The Crime Analysis Section works together to produce tactical, strategic and intelligence-related products for commanders and line level personnel. The Crime Analysis Section performs analysis of current crime series and patterns as well as long-term strategic analysis of crime-related problems throughout the City. This section supports the patrol function by providing officers with information on emerging trends, patterns and series. Crime analysts also support the investigative function with association charts, link analysis and other intelligence related products. Some sample products produced by these analysts are weekly and monthly reports, analytical maps, and crime bulletins.
The analysis performed by the Crime Analysis Section is used for tracking current and emerging crime series in the City. Commanders, detectives and patrol officers use these products to aid with investigations, surveillance efforts and problem solving projects.
Problem identification and analysis are also at the cornerstone of the Crime Analysis Section. Long-term strategic analysis of crime issues and problems are performed by crime analysts to help sector command staff effectively manage, allocate and deploy resources. This type of analysis also helps command staff work to identify problem addresses, ‘hot’ products, repeat offenders and crime specific hot spots.