Geography and Public Safety: A Quarterly Bulletin of Applied Geography for the Study of Crime and Public Safety, Volume 3, Issue 1

• NCJ Number: 236143
• Journal: Geography & Public Safety Volume: 3 Issue: 1 Dated: October 2011 Pages: 1-20
• Date Published: October 2011
• Length: 20 pages
• Agencies: NIJ; COPS
• Publication Type: Issue Overview

Annotation

The theme for the articles in this issue is using geographic information systems (GIS) to address the full spectrum of public safety issues facing law enforcement.

Abstract

"Full Spectrum Use of GIS by Law Enforcement: It's Not Just About Mapping Crime" explains why law enforcement agencies should use GIS analysis, not only in mapping crime, but in assessing and enhancing the full spectrum of police services and responsibilities. "Integration of Centralized Intelligence With Geographic Information Systems: A Countywide Initiative" describes how Morris County, NJ, has integrated centralized intelligence with GIS to create Web-based intelligence-sharing databases that enable law enforcement agencies to easily disseminate data and track offenders throughout various geographic areas of the county. "Engaging the Community: Operation Heat Wave" describes a summer crime-reduction initiative launched by the Dallas Police Department (Texas) with the intent of reducing citywide crime by focusing on residential and business burglaries, other thefts, and motor vehicle burglaries. "Measuring Potential Diffusion of Benefits and Crime Displacement Near Public Surveillance Systems" presents The Urban Institute's evaluation of the use of public surveillance cameras in three cities, with a focus on how GIS and spatial analyses were used to measure potential diffusion and displacement effects in the areas adjacent to the camera locations. "Shawnee Viewer: Streamlining Police Databases" describes a computer-assisted program of the Shawnee Police Department (Kansas) called the "Shawnee Viewer," which provides an easy and fast way to find information the city has on any address. Other sections of this newsletter contain a "Technical Tip," a review of news on GIS-related happenings, and a listing of "Crime Mapping Events."