1. 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

2. 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.”

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

4. 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

5. 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,

6. 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

7. Temporal components
Diffused
0000
Time f
1200
2359

8. Temporal components
Focused
0000
Time f
1200
2359

9. Temporal components
Acute
0000
Time f
1200
2359

10. Spatial components + + + + + + + + + + + +
Dispersed

11. Spatial components + + + + + + + + + + + +
Clustered

12. Spatial components + + + + + + + + + + + +
Hotpoint

13. Spatial components +
Hotpoint

14. Hotpoint
Acute

15. Dispersed
Focused

16. 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

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

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

19. 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

20. 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

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

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

23. 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