Law – Criminal 2-1 Module Two Assignment: Exploration of Predictive Policing

Overview

In this assignment, you will explore elements of predictive policing. You will research a crime map of either your own city, a major city nearby, or any major city of your choice and explore other crime databases that are available. Analysts use this data for many purposes including identifying crime patterns to make your neighborhood safer.

Prompt

In this module, you have explored data collection and advancements in technology. You will now explore crime maps and additional databases created and maintained by local law enforcement that aid in decision making to identify crime patterns. For example, here is a crime map of Chicago. The Chicago police department provides these online services. This is the type of information you will be locating and using for this assignment. When starting your search, begin by looking up your selected city’s police department website. If you would prefer, you can use this crime map of Peoria, Illinois for your assignment. This application of knowledge will help you prepare for Project One in Module Five, where you will analyze predictive policing in a real-world scenario.

• First, identify the crime map of your chosen city. Share the link in your assignment.
• Next, identify other databases that are available (for example, gang member database, sex offender database, gun registry). Share the link(s) in your assignment.
• Then, address the following questions:
  • What crime map data and other services can you find?
    • What data do you have access to?
    • What services are provided?
  • Does the information provided promote transparency or accountability?
  • How would you describe the experience of navigating the site and browsing its information?
    • Is the site user friendly?
    • Would you use it again outside of this class?
    • Does the site promote accessibility to the police?

Specifically, the following rubric criteria must be addressed:

• Identify the crime map of your chosen city and share the link in your assignment.
• Identify other databases that are available and share the links in your assignment.
• Describe the crime map data and other services available.
• Analyze the information provided to determine if it promotes transparency or accountability.
• Describe the experience of navigating the site and browsing its information.

What to Submit

This assignment should be 300–400 words in length. Any references should be cited in APA style. For more information on APA style, review the Shapiro Library APA Style Guide.