Jerry Ratcliffe Temple University www.jratcliffe.net jhr@temple.edu The Hotspot Matrix as a framework for the spatio-temporal targeting of crime reduction Jerry Ratcliffe Temple University www.jratcliffe.net jhr@temple.edu

Intelligence-led crime reduction UK Criminal Intelligence Strategy Group (Working Group 3) said: “Analysts should not simply provide management with statistics and colourful charts but a real understanding of criminal activity and the direction in tackling it.”

UK National Intelligence Model Four intelligence products Strategic Assessments Tactical Assessments Target Profiles Problem Profiles

UK National Intelligence Model Four intelligence products Strategic Assessments Tactical Assessments Aim: Identify established and emerging crime/incident series and hotspots. Purpose: Assist investigative needs, hotspot management, targeting, crime reduction and prevention. Target Profiles Problem Profiles

Intelligence-led policing The application of criminal intelligence analysis as an objective decision-making tool in order to facilitate crime reduction and prevention through effective policing strategies and external partnership projects drawn from an evidential base. Ratcliffe, JH (2003) Intelligence-led policing, Trends and Issues in Crime and Criminal Justice, No. 248, Australian Institute of Criminology, www.aic.gov.au.

The Hotspot Matrix as a framework for the spatio-temporal targeting of crime reduction Need to communicate fairly simple ideas to busy people Lack of environmental criminology knowledge in practitioner community Establish a common language for ourselves and the practitioners Take ‘what works’ further Process not dependent on particular software

Temporal components Diffused 0000 Time f 1200 2359

Temporal components Focused 0000 Time f 1200 2359

Temporal components Acute 0000 Time f 1200 2359

Spatial components + + + + + + + + + + + + Dispersed

Spatial components + + + + + + + + + + + + Clustered

Spatial components + + + + + + + + + + + + Hotpoint

Spatial components + Hotpoint

Hotpoint Acute

Dispersed Focused

Spatial Temporal Dispersed Clustered Hotpoint Diffused Focused Acute Housing estate Hotspot Matrix Uniform vehicle patrols Foot patrols Plain clothes patrols Surveillance and plain clothes foot patrols Unmarked vehicle patrols Surveillance and plain clothes patrols Surveillance and arrest squads Spatial + + + Temporal

Prevention Detection Spatial Temporal Short term Hotspot Matrix Dispersed Clustered Hotpoint Diffused Focused Acute Spatial + + + Prevention Detection Temporal

Prevention Prevention Spatial Temporal Long term Hotspot Matrix Dispersed Clustered Hotpoint Diffused Focused Acute Spatial + + + Prevention Prevention Temporal

Spatial Temporal Dispersed Clustered Hotpoint Diffused Focused Acute Housing estate Hotspot Matrix Uniform vehicle patrols Foot patrols Plain clothes patrols Surveillance and plain clothes foot patrols Unmarked vehicle patrols Surveillance and plain clothes patrols Surveillance and arrest squads Spatial + + + Temporal

Spatial Temporal Dispersed Clustered Hotpoint Diffused Focused Acute Housing estate Hotspot Matrix Uniform vehicle patrols, architectural changes Random breath tests, foot patrols, architectural changes Plain clothes patrols, random breath tests, private security, CCTV Uniform vehicle and foot patrols, improved lighting Vehicle and foot patrols, private security, improved lighting Surveillance units, plain clothes foot patrols Unmarked vehicle patrols, private security, improved lighting Surveillance and plain clothes patrols, CCTV Surveillance, arrest squads, CCTV, unmarked police units Spatial + + + Temporal

Caveats First step No definitive rules for classifications Contents of the matrix are examples only Could have a more complicated matrix…

Summary Simple to use and communicate Not software dependent Practitioners and academics could fill in what works, and communicate using a common language

Jerry Ratcliffe Temple University www.jratcliffe.net jhr@temple.edu The Hotspot Matrix as a framework for the spatio-temporal targeting of crime reduction Awaiting publication in Police Practice and Research Copies of the paper and slides are at jratcliffe.net Click on Conference notes Jerry Ratcliffe Temple University www.jratcliffe.net jhr@temple.edu