GPS Tracking Data - RAIDS Online Hotspot Map

GPS Tracking Data: A Game Changer for Crime Mapping and Analysis

Posted on · Posted in Electronic Monitoring, GPS

By Todd Edwards, President, Reliant Monitoring Services

More than ever, Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) are making use of crime incident mapping within their given jurisdiction. While in most cases they are sharing this basic level of information with the public, they are also discreetly beginning to overlay other key data sets within the mapping application(s) and investigating the various intersections and relationships of those data points in order to extract meaning and operational intelligence. In other words, many LEAs have moved beyond looking at the traditional “where” of crime-related information generated through basic incident reporting (i.e. hot-spots, patterns and trends) to the “why” of crime-related information that can be developed through a much deeper analysis. The strategic benefits of LEAs taking this more analytical approach have already been researched and proven in practice.  As a result their allocation of resources, community policing tactics, and crime intervention/prevention efforts are generally becoming more effective and standardized.

GPS Tracking Detailed Data - RAIDS Online

Crime Mapping Data – RAIDS Online by Bair Analytics

Perhaps of all the key data sets (demographics, geo-coded locations, sex offenders, etc.) that a LEA can overlay on top of the standard crime incident reporting—no single one holds more value than GPS tracking data/points of known offenders who are under community supervision and being monitored via GPS tracking devices. The reason is simple, you have a set of individuals, typically classified as higher risk candidates for re-offending, who are deemed to be in need of monitoring while remaining within the community and who also have all their movements tracked. When large numbers of these offenders are being tracked using GPS devices and that resulting tracking data can be imported and overlaid onto the crime incident mapping system, the potential benefits from an investigatory standpoint are self-evident. However, potentially solving crimes is not the only benefit. Analyzing the GPS tracking data to ascertain close proximity and/or connections between these particular offenders as they intersect with other known offenders in other known high-crime areas—creates the potential for a multiplier effect. For LEAs, this effect can truly enhance and expand current crime-solving efforts on a community-wide scale, allow for a more timely and targeted response to identified criminal activity/trends, provide a better methodology to exact policing pressure on high-crime locations and individuals, and reveal a more productive path to engage and involve citizens in meeting public safety goals.

Tracking Data with Analytics - ATAC Workstation

Tracking Data with Analytical Tools – ATAC Workstation by Bair Analytics

As it stands today, there are many examples of LEAs across the country that have already taken the leap from simple crime mapping to overlaying and using other key data sets for crime analysis, intervention and prevention efforts.  Still it is evident that exponentially more (especially in rural areas) remain on the periphery and are in need of information, technology, and technical assistance in order to take the final step. Of course, Reliant Monitoring Services is an advocate for LEAs making GPS monitoring technology part of their overall strategy, however, we are more than happy to discuss this important topic at any level with any LEA that requests our assistance. Feel free to contact us for more information.