Overview
In this assignment, you will explore elements of predictive policing. You will research a crime map of either your own city, a major city nearby, or any major city of your choice and explore other crime databases that are available. Analysts use this data for many purposes including identifying crime patterns to make your neighborhood safer.
Prompt
In this module, you have explored data collection and advancements in technology. You will now explore crime maps and additional databases created and maintained by local law enforcement that aid in decision making to identify crime patterns. For example, here is a crime map of Chicago. The Chicago police department provides these online services. This is the type of information you will be locating and using for this assignment. When starting your search, begin by looking up your selected city’s police department website. If you would prefer, you can use this crime map of Peoria, Illinois for your assignment. This application of knowledge will help you prepare for Project One in Module Five, where you will analyze predictive policing in a real-world scenario.
First, identify the crime map of your chosen city. Share the link in your assignment.
Next, identify other databases that are available (for example, gang member database, sex offender database, gun registry). Share the link(s) in your assignment.
Then, address the following questions:
What crime map data and other services can you find?
What data do you have access to?
What services are provided?
Does the information provided promote transparency or accountability?
How would you describe the experience of navigating the site and browsing its information?
Is the site user friendly?
Would you use it again outside of this class?
Does the site promote accessibility to the police?
Specifically, the following rubric criteria must be addressed:
Identify the crime map of your chosen city and share the link in your assignment.
Identify other databases that are available and share the links in your assignment.
Describe the crime map data and other services available.
Analyze the information provided to determine if it promotes transparency or accountability.
Describe the experience of navigating the site and browsing its information.
What to Submit
This assignment should be 300–400 words in length. Any references should be cited in APA style.
Guide On Rating System
Vote
For this assignment, I have chosen to explore the crime map and additional databases of Chicago, Illinois. The crime map of Chicago can be found on the official website of the Chicago Police Department at https://home.chicagopolice.org/crime-statistics/.
In addition to the crime map, there are several other databases available on the Chicago Police Department's website. These include the gang member database, sex offender database, and gun registry. The gang member database provides information about known gang members in the city, while the sex offender database lists individuals who have been convicted of sex offenses and are required to register as sex offenders. The gun registry database includes information about registered firearms in the city.
The crime map data available on the website includes information on various types of crimes, such as homicides, shootings, robberies, and burglaries. Users can filter the data by date range, location, and specific types of crimes. The map also provides information on police districts, beats, and community areas, allowing users to narrow down the data to specific areas of interest.
The services provided on the website include the crime map, which allows users to visualize crime patterns in the city, and the ability to download crime statistics. The website also provides information on crime prevention programs and resources, as well as information on how to report a crime.
The information provided on the website promotes transparency and accountability. By making crime data publicly available, the Chicago Police Department is allowing residents to have access to information about crime in their neighborhoods. This can help hold the police department accountable for addressing crime and can empower residents to take actions to improve the safety of their communities.
Navigating the website and browsing its information is relatively straightforward. The crime map is easy to use and provides clear data visualizations. The website is well-organized and provides links to additional resources and databases. Overall, I found the site to be user-friendly and would definitely use it again outside of this class to stay informed about crime in Chicago.
The site does promote accessibility to the police by providing information on how to report a crime and access resources for crime prevention. It also provides contact information for various units and departments within the police department, allowing residents to easily reach out for assistance or information.