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.