Predictive Policing: COMPSTAT - Essay Example

Compare and contrast the application of information technology (IT) to optimize police departments’ performance to reduce crime versus random patrols of the streets. Through the use of the revolutionary COMPSTAT, police departments have managed to improve their performance significantly. Computer statistics, as it is formally known, uses information technology to analyze data that is used to collect information on crime prone areas. Mapping out of crime zones is done using (Henry, 2003) Geographical Information Systems (GIS) which is tallied using statistics of crime in particular regions. This means that police officers do not need to make random patrols but rather target specific regions that are notorious in crime related incidents. By making use of information technology through implementation of COMPSTAT, police departments are able to cut costs in their daily operations. In the past, police officers often used to make random patrols which would cost more to the departments since they had no prior knowledge of possible crime zones. Information technology has, therefore, made it possible to cut down costs by mapping out crime zones where police officers would make their patrols from (McDonald, 2002). It has been reported by police departments such as the New York City Police Department that information technology such as COMPSTAT has significantly improved performance of the organization through accountability at different departments in the organization. Each department is assigned with particular task and with the help of information technology; weak links or poor performance can easily be detected within the organization. Quick identification of crime coupled with prompt and creative solutions has enabled many police departments to perform better in recent years. Information technology has enable police officer to respond swiftly to crime through monitoring and evaluation of crime statistics of a given neighborhood or region. Creative solutions such as early detection or preventive measure have significantly improved their performance. Despite these numerous gains brought by the use of information technology, there are other setbacks that come along with it. Random patrols for instance, would be effective in situations where new crime zones develop. The use COMPSTAT places emphasis on known crime zones, leaving out other parts unpatrolled. In such an event, COMPSTAT would perform very poorly in determining patrol routes. Unless new data is introduced into the system, patrols by police based on COMPSTAT would be definite hence predictable. This means that criminals can easily predict patrol routes of police officers due to the predetermined route of patrol. In such a case, random patrols would be favorable since it would be very difficult for criminals to forecast the routes used for patrols. 2. Describe how COMPSTAT, as an information system (IS), implements the four (4) basic IS functions: a. Input The COMPSTAT system is not software that can be installed and used immediately in managing crime. Rather, it is a system used in managing operations of police department. In its operation, data relating criminal activities in a given region is collected for processing or analysis. Such information may include statistics of past arrests and crime incidents in particular places in the region. This is similar to functions of an information system since it data is feed into a system for processing, the same way an information system operates (McDonald, 2002). b. processing Once data is collected, it is then analyzed for interpretation. The analysis of data is done using mathematical or statistical calculations as well as using geographic information systems. Mathematical and statistic calculations are necessary to produce information that will aid in identifying notorious crime zones and incidents. The geographic information system, on the other hand, is used to map out these crime spots for easy tracking and identification. This is similar to an information system since it processes raw data fed into the system. c. Output After data has been fed into the system and processed, it is now available for interpretation and use. The output system can be in the form of reports about crime spots as well as digital or printed maps that identify the geographical locations of such crime spots. It is this output that is used by police departments to determine patrol areas within a given region. c. Feedback This refers to the response on the effectiveness of the COMPSTAT system. This feedback could be relayed by the police officers on patrol or through the overall performance of the department. Based on the nature of feedback, the system can be adjusted accordingly to ensure maximum performance. 3. Determine how information systems have allowed police departments that implement tools such as COMPSTAT to respond to crime faster. Having knowledge on events happening or about to happen, in a timely manner is of paramount importance to the effectiveness of police operations. Through the use COMPSTAT, police departments can respond to crime faster in their areas of jurisdiction using reliable information gathered and processed by the COMPSTAT system. Through the use of geographic information systems, police officers can pin point accurately areas with criminal activities, therefore respond promptly to such events. These geographic information systems use information processed using the COMPSTAT system. In addition, most police patrol vehicles are equipped with Global Positioning Systems that can be fed remotely with data indicating the location of the crime spots (Hess, 2012). Processing of data through the use of information technology is done at a very fast rate. This means that new incidents of crimes can be tackled faster since the system can be quickly updated with the latest information relating to criminal activities. This generally improves the effectiveness of police response to crime. 4. Apply the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats analysis (SWOT analysis) on behalf of police departments that intend to implement predictive policing. Strength Information is available in real time Creates efficiency in work. Its preventive hence reduces costs in crime solving Ensures one is entitled to their civil rights Weakness Difficult to assess its validity. It lacks clear vision and strategic priority. Budgets are limited for its use. Opportunities Enhanced inter department communication. Ensures that regions partner well The quality of data is trustworthy hence raises expectations. More personnel to be trained on its use Threats Failure by the community to embrace this technology. Lack of confidence in the ability of the law enforcers. Reference Henry, V. E. (2003). The COMPSTAT paradigm: Management accountability in policing, business, and the public sector. Flushing, NY: Looseleaf Law Publications. McDonald, P. P., & Greenberg, S. F. (2002). Managing police operations: Implementing the New York crime control model CompStat. Belmont, Calif: Wadsworth Pub. Hess, K. M., Orthmann, C. M. H., LaDue, S. E., & Bennett, W. W. (2012). Management and supervision in law enforcement. Clifton Park, NY: Delmar/Cengage Learning. Read More