Crime forecasting can make law enforcement more effective

Crime forecasting looks at trends in a given area and extrapolates predictions of future developments based on the variables affecting those trends. Ralph Taylor, a criminal justice professor and crime trend researcher at Temple, sees crime forecasting as a way to free up police force resources that can go to community building activities. "New technologies keep the leadership up to speed on what's happening where, if not in real-time, than at least in a very recent time frame," says Taylor. "It allows management to analyze, organize and respond in an efficient manner."
April 13, 2011 | Technically Philly