CJ 425 Crime Mapping Unit 6 Seminar “Patterns”

Outline Repeat Incidents Tactical Analysis – Definition – Information Used 7 types of Patterns Inductive/Deductive Logic Methodologies

Repeat Incidents Two or more incidents that are similar in nature and have happened at the same place (typically) or by the same person. Multiple calls for service Larry Sherman (1980) 3% of locations

Tactical Analysis Definition: The study of recent criminal incidents and potential criminal activity through the examination of characteristics such as how, when, and where the activity has occurred to assist in pattern development, investigative lead and suspect identification, and case clearance.

Tactical Analysis Information Used – How, when, where, what 4 Main Types of Information 1. Modus Operandi 2. Person’s Involved 3. Vehicles Involved 4. Field Contacts

Patterns Patterns involve two or more crimes or more serious incidents that seem to be related by: victim, offender, location, or property that typically occur over days, weeks, or months.

Crime Patterns 7 Patterns – Series – Spree – Repeat Victim – Repeat Offender – Hot Spot – Hot Target – Hot Product

Series A run of similar crimes committed by the same individual(s) against one or various victims or targets Usually over a period of time.

Spree A run of crime activity characterized by such high frequency that the activity appears almost continuous. Example: thefts from 7 vehicles in a parking lot over a 1-hour period.

Repeat Victim Specific individuals who have been repeatedly victimized A group of individuals who share similar characteristics and have been victimized over a short period of time.

Repeat Offender Individuals or types of individuals who commit multiple crimes over long or short periods of time.

Hot Spot – A specific location or small area that suffers from a large amount of crime. Clustered – locations group together in one or more smaller clusters Dispersed – Locations are spread throughout the hot spot but are more concentrated than incidents in other areas

Hot Target A type of place that is frequently victimized. Common hot targets include beauty salons, schools, and convenience stores

Hot Product A specific type of property that is repeatedly victimized or a consumer item that is particularly attractive to thieves.

2 Approaches Deductive Logic – General to Specific Inductive Logic – Specific to General

Methodologies (linking of cases) Ad hoc linking – by memory Query Method – an iterative process in which the analyst manipulates, searches, and sorts characteristics using a database matrix Trend Hunter – a process in which various characteristics are weighted and the weights summed up for each case.

Conclusion 1.Use common sense 2.Use logical approaches 3.Be systematic 4.Use Information 5.Triangulation 6.Be Patience and accept failure