Strategy for Enhancing the Design and Analytical Potential of Mapping in Criminal Justice Operations & Research, Final Report

• NCJ Number: 193803
• Author(s): James L. Lebeau Ph.D.
• Date Published: 2000
• Length: 11 pages
• Grant Number(s): 97-LB-VX-0002
• Agencies: NIJ-Sponsored
• Publication Type: Program/Project Evaluation

Annotation

The project described involved advising and training the staff of the National Institute of Justice's (NIJ's) Crime Mapping Research Center (CMRC) in learning the basic concepts of geography and cartography; using cartographic and spatial analytic application in criminal justice; conducting research and developing specific mapping applications; disseminating information about mapping and spatial analysis; and networking with the organizations that provide resources for mapping and spatial analysis.

Abstract

The goals of this collaboration were to increase the utility of computerized mapping for criminal justice and to position NIJ as an authority and source of guidance in mapping and spatial analysis in criminal justice. The onsite phase of this fellowship project began on June 2, 1997, and was completed on August 21, 1997. Implementation of the project involved the use of staff seminars, the use of three textbooks, working individually with CMRC and NIJ personnel, the testing of new mapping software, the dissemination of information, and networking. In reporting on the achievement of project goals, the author advises that the first goal, to increase the utility of computerized mapping for criminal justice, could not be assessed due to lack of a formal evaluation mechanism. The second goal -- to position NIJ as an authority and source of guidance in mapping and spatial analysis in criminal justice -- was achieved. In promoting mapping research and applications, NIJ has become an international authority on mapping and spatial analysis in criminal justice. Attached listing of cartographic resources on the Internet