Chapter 6 CJS 1-10

Predictive Policing

• Definition: Predictive policing involves utilizing law enforcement data, geographic locators, and advanced computer algorithms to anticipate and preempt future criminal activities. This approach aims to enhance police efficiency by forecasting crime trends based on historical data and current patterns.

• Tech Startups: Companies like PredPol leverage big data analytics to empower law enforcement by identifying potential crime hotspots, using analyses of past crime data, weather patterns, and socio-economic indicators for resource allocation.

• Study Findings: Comparative studies revealed that computer algorithms predicted crime locations with a 4.7% success rate, compared to 2.1% for traditional crime analysts. However, over 95% of these predictions were ultimately inaccurate.

• Conclusion: While predictive analytics can support police intuition and decision-making, they cannot replace human judgment and experience in law enforcement.

The Organization of Police Departments

• Hierarchical Structure: Typically organized in a hierarchical manner to establish a clear chain of command, which is crucial for maintaining order and accountability.

• Ranks in New York City Police Department:

  • Police Officer

  • Detective

  • Sergeant (3 chevrons)

  • Lieutenant (1 gold bar)

  • Captain (2 gold bars)

  • Deputy Inspector (gold oak leaf)

  • Chief of Police

  • Other ranks include Deputy Chief, Assistant Chief, and Police Commissioner.

• Staffing and Roles: Police departments consist of various personnel units critical to operations:

  • Personnel Units: Internal affairs, planning and research, recruitment and promotions, administration (supplies, budgeting, etc.).

  • Special Services Units: Including detectives, patrol officers, community policing teams, and traffic control units.

• Challenges: Larger departments may face jurisdiction issues due to overlapping operational divisions, creating potential conflicts in policing practices.

Problems in Police Structure

• Common Issues:

  • Frequent personnel changes can lead to confusion regarding roles and responsibilities.

  • Internal reorganizations, promotions, and transfers may complicate departmental operations.

• Promotion System: Promotes a time-in-rank model, preventing officers from skipping ranks.

• Challenges: While promoting fairness, time-in-rank systems may restrict flexibility and adaptability in responding to evolving challenges.

The Role of Police

• Public Perception vs. Reality: Media often portrays police work as heroic, yet most police officers handle minor disturbances and administrative tasks rather than solely crime-fighting.

• Statistics of Police Contact:

  • 21% of Americans aged 16 and older interact with police annually, primarily concerning motor vehicle and traffic issues.

  • Most police contacts do not result in serious arrests, indicating diverse police functions in society.

Patrol Function

• Overview: Patrol officers represent approximately two-thirds of police personnel, making them the most visible law enforcement representatives.

• Responsibilities: Patrol duties include:

  • Deterring criminal activity

  • Maintaining public order

  • Responding to emergencies

  • Apprehending violators

  • Assisting citizens

  • Facilitating traffic management

  • Building community security and trust

• Improving Patrol Effectiveness: Several strategies for improvement have been identified:

  • Aggressive Patrol: A proactive approach that focuses on crime prevention through a prominent police presence.

  • Broken Windows Policing: Targets low-level offenses to prevent serious crimes from emerging.

  • Rapid Response: Aiming to minimize the response time between receiving calls and officer arrival to increase arrest rates.

  • Procedural Justice: Ensuring respectful treatment of citizens increases public satisfaction and cooperation.

  • Use of Technology: Utilizing systems like CompStat helps map crime effectively, optimizing patrol strategies.

Body-Worn Cameras (BWCs)

• Adoption: Increasing use in law enforcement to promote transparency and accountability.

• Advantages:

  • Enhances legitimacy and encourages appropriate behavior from officers and civilians.

  • Provides evidentiary value for court cases.

  • Aids in police training through real scenarios.

• Limitations:

  • Raises privacy concerns for officers and the public.

  • Involves high costs for implementation and storage of extensive video data.

• Research Summary: Initial studies in the UK suggest reductions in crime and complaints with BWCs, though many evaluations lack proper control groups for accuracy.