Criminal analysis categories and law enforcement applications

Criminal Analysis

International Association Crime Analysts

Criminal Analysis (International Association Crime Analysts)

International Association Crime

Criminal analysis is one of the ways used in law enforcement to eliminate and minimize all incidents of crime in the society. This analysis has been used in the past to track various criminal and to keep them off the streets. Criminal analysis is primarily divided into three distinct categories. Each category explores the same subject matter but in a different dimension. These categories are tactical, strategic, administrative analysis. International Association Crime Analysts is one of the investigative agencies that use these analyses to counter crime in the community.

Tactical analysis

Tactical analysis: this type of analysis refers to the investigation and studying of criminal patterns. It includes researching of crime series including information related to the offenders behind the events. This analysis reveals a certain trend likely to lead to the strong hold and tact used by the offenders. This analysis may involve the use of various means of research, which may include personal information about the suspects. Tactical analysis may also involve the surrounding agencies, police patrols, and support surveillance (Bruce, Hick and Cooper, 2004).

Example of Tactic analysis work product

Tactic is one of the aspects that most criminals are likely to employ while planning their activities. According to studies done, most of the criminals have a certain tactic which they are likely to use during certain criminal activities (Bruce, Hick and Cooper, 2004). For instance, a certain series of a crime in a given area is likely to employ a certain tactic. Once law enforcers have realized this tactic, the police can then find a strategy to catch the criminal right at hand.

The report on the theft of GPS devices from cars clearly explains the tact used by the criminal in the country. Thieves have mastered stealing GPS devices because these items are available and easily removable. This means that the thieves have found items that are easy to handle and will not cause a lot of attention. In this way, a thief can get away with many GPS devices as compared to the same person stealing large items such as television. Such a report can be substantial evidence to warn people about such thieves so that people can pay more attention to their valuables. On the other hand, it can also be used to affirm security measures in the area.

Strategic Analysis

Strategic analysis: this aspect looks into the strategy used by the criminal in question. The investigator focuses his or her interest on the trend of events, which have happened in the recent past. Strategic analysis is likely to lead the law enforcer to the next target. This means that the law enforcers will look into the probability of the next criminal event, and wait on the offenders at the time of strike before they bring havoc to the people. Much often-strategic analysis is used to counter or prevent future tragic events (Bruce, Hick and Cooper, 2004).

Administrative Analysis

Administrative analysis: administrative analysis refers to the evaluation of various reports submitted on different criminal events. This aspect looks into the statistical point-of-view, which highlights on the repetition of various crimes in a given area. This analysis may include statistics collected in given time at a specified area. Administrative analysis is done using charts and tables amongst other statistical methods that exhibit the repetition of events (Bruce, Hick and Cooper, 2004). This analysis is fundamental especially in supporting public requests by citizens.

Example of administrative analysis work product

Albany monthly Crime Brief is one of the work products listed in International Association Crime Analysts website. The report reveals detailed statistics on various crimes that happened in Albany. The report, which is compiled by Albany Police Department, has several segments. Each segment gives a summary of the depth of crimes in the area. For instance, one can easily conclude that crime has increased significantly. For instance, the report in the first segment shows the number of calls the police has received from the people concerning crime. In a span of one month, the police post has had an increase about 400 calls relating to criminal attacks. The second segment has a brief of the number of cases filed in the station, and a significant increase is indicated (Hurley, 2006). Other statistics are also included such as the number of theft or robbery, murder cases, and assaults in the same region.

Administrative analysis can give a nutshell of the demand for security in the area. Hence, the police within this region have a clear understanding of the cry of the people of Albany. Given such a detailed administrative analysis, the head of department can then request and recommend for higher security measures as demanded by the civilians. In addition, it becomes easier for the authorities to send back up teams and more support to enforce security measures in the area. The report includes a map that has a detailed diagrammatic representation of statistics about the crime levels in the area. The map can be used to show people the area that has high demand for security (Hurley, 2006). Hence, is can be a directive to the police authorities even in giving commands towards the same effect.

Conclusion

In conclusion, criminal analysis is a principal that can benefit a people if utilized well especially by law enforcers. It is a fundamental aspect, which must be fully utilized by criminal departments in order to enhance security in the country (Bruce, Hick and Cooper, 2004). However, it some cases, criminal analysis may take long before it brings a permanent solution to a stated problem. In this regard, the police should work hand in hand with the civilians to obtain information that may help in doing such analyses. Hence, it is imperative that criminal investigative units utilize the concepts of criminal analysis to fasten their measures of countering crime.

Reference

Bruce, C.W., Hick S.R. And Cooper, J.P. (2004). Exploring crime analysis: Readings on essential skills. Charleston, SC: BookSurge Publishing.

Hurley. P. (March 2006). Monthly Crime Brief. Albany Police Department. Retrieved on July 5, 2012. Web