Chapter 6 CJS

Page 1: Predictive Policing

Overview of Predictive Policing

• Predictive policing leverages large datasets and algorithms to forecast potential crime locations and times.

• Technology startups, like PredPol, utilize police data and geographic information to enhance police intuition rather than replace it.

Effectiveness and Limitations

• A study comparing algorithmic predictions to professional analysts showed results:

  • Computer algorithms predicted crime locations correctly 4.7% of the time.

  • Human analysts predicted with only 2.1% accuracy.

• Despite this, over 95% of algorithm predictions were inaccurate, indicating ongoing challenges in predicting criminal behavior.

Implications for Law Enforcement

• Predictive policing is a tool to assist officers but does not replace traditional policing methods.

Page 2: The Organization of Police Departments

Structure of Police Organizations

• Most police departments operate hierarchically, with a defined chain of command.

• Example Ranks in New York City, from lowest to highest:

  • Police Officer

  • Detective

  • Sergeant (three chevrons)

  • Lieutenant (one gold bar)

  • Captain (two gold bars)

  • Chief of Police

  • Deputy Commissioner

Administrative Functions and Roles

• Support functions within departments include:

  • Recruitment, training, internal affairs, planning, and resource management.

• Organizational challenges often stem from staff changes and lack of clear communication among divisions.

Page 3: Policing Roles and Responsibilities

Media Portrayal vs. Reality

• Media often glorifies policing; real-life encounters are more mundane and involve community service, administrative tasks, and minor disturbances.

Research Findings on Police Contact

• 21% of Americans interacted with police annually, mostly for:

  • Traffic accidents and service calls (e.g., noise complaints).

• Actual arrests represent only a small fraction of officer interactions.

Page 4: Police Daily Activities

Patrol Function

• Patrol officers are crucial for community safety, covering specific areas (beats) around the clock.

• Major responsibilities include:

  • Deterring crime, maintaining order, and responding to emergencies.

Statistics on Police Work

• Average officer makes about 2 arrests monthly, with a focus on public service rather than just crime fighting.

Page 5: Impact of Patrol Strategies

Patrol Effectiveness Studies

• Research suggests visible police presence affects crime rates, although results vary.

• The Kansas City Preventive Patrol Experiment showed patrol presence alone does not correlate directly with decreased crime.

Problem-Solving Approaches

• Community-oriented and problem-oriented policing encourage proactive involvement by police in local issues.

Page 6: Evaluation of Patrol Effectiveness

Citizen Perspectives

• Majority of police assistance requests reported positively, yet improvement of situations can depend on timing or context.

Patrol Activities and Outcomes

• Officers often engage in informal mediation rather than formal law enforcement, requiring discretion.

Page 7: Strategies for Improving Patrol Effectiveness

Community Relations

• Officers can build positive community ties, enhancing public trust and cooperation in crime prevention.

Technological Enhancements

• CompStat and similar programs allow data-driven responses, improving police effectiveness through analysis and accountability.

Page 8: Introduction to Intelligence-Led Policing

Overview of ILP

• ILP utilizes data collection and analysis to inform policing strategies at various levels, emphasizing collaboration across agencies.

Comparison to Other Models

• ILP focuses on both tactical responses to crime and strategic long-term behavior modification in communities.

Page 9: Post-9/11 Reforms in Policing

Fusion Centers

• Fusion centers facilitate information sharing and coordinate efforts among various law enforcement levels to enhance crime prevention and response capabilities.

Page 10: Evidence-Based Policing

Definition

• Evidence-based policing emphasizes using scientific research and established practices to guide police strategies and decisions.

Challenges and Opportunities

• Despite advantages, there are obstacles including resistance to change and the need for greater integration of research findings into everyday policing practices.

Page 11: Police Support Functions

Overview

• Police agencies also focus on administrative and support functions essential for operations, such as training, internal affairs, and budget management.

Internal Affairs

• Investigates police misconduct and maintains accountability within the department for public confidence.

Page 12: Innovations in Police Services

Technological Integration

• Evolving tech aids in areas like communication and evidence management, improving overall efficiency and resource management in policing.

Page 13: Cost-Effective Measures in Policing

Productivity Enhancements

• Cost-saving strategies, such as consolidation of services, using civilian workers, and shared resources, enhance productivity without significant budget increases.