Intelligence-Led Policing in New Jersey: Data Integration to Support the Investigation of Gun Crimes

Intelligence-led policing (ILP) is a conceptual framework that prioritizes the use of data and analytical methods to inform strategy and tactics. The era of "big data" heralds a new chapter for ILP and, more broadly, for public safety policy and practice. However, the rise of big data exposes a critical need for comprehensive systems that facilitate data acquistition, sharing, and analysis for law enforcement purposes. We argue that there is great value in accessible platforms that integrate previously siloed data systems within an organizational culture that supports ILP. As clearance rates for serious crimes continue to decline, the need for systems that support data integration, sharing and analysis has become even more critical.

A group of justice agencies, led by the New Jersey State Police (NJSP), institutionalized the use of ILP to support criminal investigations across New Jersey. The bedrock of this effort was the establishment and dissemination of the Backtrace system-a repository of criminal justice data that integrates live feeds of over 30 separate data sources. The comprehensive collection and management of crime related data in Backtrace provides law enforcement with timely tactical, investigative and strategic intelligence on violent crime incidents, suspects, victims, and geographic locations over time.

This project uses a mixed-method design to analyze how ILP disseminated across New Jersey and its effect on shooting case clearance rates. We leverage 10 years (2015 - 2024) of data from the NJSP Backtrace system as well as surveys and interviews with Backtrace users to explore 5 research questions: 1. What are the different categories of Backtrace users and what types of data do they use?; 2. How do the different Backtrace user categories report incorporating intelligence data?; 3. How do power users tactically use Backtrace data to support priority strategies and interventions?; 4. What effect did Backtrace upgrades have on user login activity and case clearance rates?; 5. What intelligence characteristics and user search behaviors are significantly related to case clearance?

The proposed project would provide scientific evidence on New Jersey's state-wide efforts to integrate ILP. To our knowledge, it would be the first ILP study to integrate data from an entire state. The 10-year study period is much longer than what has typically appeared in literature. The project will generate scientific knowledge that would infrom the operations of both NJSP as well as police agencies interested in adopting or expanding upon their current ILP efforts more generally. CA/NCF