Increasing Analytic Capacity of State and Local Law Enforcement Agencies: Moving Beyond Data Analysis to Create a Vision for Change

Publisher Marketing: Analysis has been a part of American policing for more than a century. Evolving from pin mapping to comparative data tables; from simple patterns analysis and batch processing on mainframe computers to user interface with real-time analysis; and eventually to more flexible and sophisticated analysis, such as the Geographic Information System (GIS), law enforcement has used a variety of analytics to respond to crime. After the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the need for more robust intelligence capabilities and analytic capacity at the state and local law enforcement levels became more apparent than ever before. Today, the law enforcement analytic function can vary from agency to agency based on the needs of the organization. Whether accomplished by staff analysts who focus on departmental and organizational issues such as budget, policy, and systems, or by line analysts who focus on tactical and strategic analysis for various functions within an agency, effective integration of analysis has been shown to increase law enforcement efficiency and effectiveness in both urban and rural jurisdictions. However, while the benefits of a robust analytic function have been demonstrated through a variety of initiatives, the current economic crisis and the slow rate of change within the policing culture have resulted in an ongoing need to increase analytic capabilities. Considering the anticipated exponential growth in information and the consequential technology expansion, increased analytic capacity could become the single most-important resource for criminal justice agencies in America. Moving into the next century, agencies should invest in increased analytic capacity to move beyond a world of data analysis of past and current crime trends, and they should incorporate additional factors to efficiently and effectively create a more comprehensive policing strategy. This report provides an in-depth look at the successful integration of analytics within law enforcement agencies. It examines the application and impact of several initiatives, some of which are based on intelligence-led policing, to include: Bureau of Justice Assistance, Targeting Violent Crime Initiative Office of Justice Programs, Strategic Approach to Community Safety Initiative National Institute for Justice, Study of Law Enforcement Intelligence Michigan State University, Intelligence Toolbox Training Program-Intelligence-Led Policing Self-Assessment Community-Oriented Policing Services, Integrating Crime Analysis with Patrol Operations