Abu-Dhabi City Using GIS Techniques - Essay Example

Abu-Dhabi City Using GIS Techniques Introduction Crime is an act that forms an offense that may be charged by the state and is liable to be punished by by law. To prevent crime, societies build up laws as well as agencies to implement policies (the basis for action to be taken by the government and agencies). With the changing society, the significance on community policing as a solution to the problems of urban policing, both from within the problems of urban policing, and from within the police service and from the public, has grown considerably. These policies direct our interest to the service aspects of police work and specifically the preservation of Public Peace and Good Order. While agencies are conventionally linked with catching the criminals after the crime, they are also tasked with preventing crimes before they happen (Dressler, 2002). To do this, Police not only take active measures but also use intelligence gathering and data to develop strategies. Traditionally, resources have always been limited and impeccably utilizing this data has been questioned. Collecting actual information from different sources is the prime responsibility of any intelligence organisation. Although different tools of technical devices are in operation in gathering information, to me, these are inadequate and as a consequence, we are not able to pre-empt the impending danger of criminal activities. Main issues posing hurdles in identifying the ensuing possibility of any danger lies in (a) effective information sources (b) coordination (c) timely actionable information/intelligence (d) quick decision makers, etc. The only effective way to combat criminal activities is adoption of high-end Technologies. This would definitely act as force multipliers; improve in decision-making not only in police organisations but also in other government agencies. One solution to this is the use of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) for crime analysis (Chainey and Ratcliffe, 2005). A Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is a blend of computer technologies that incorporate huge databases of spatial data, and provides a display and query interface for constructing and analyzing spatial relationships. GIS utilizes both geography and computer generated maps as an interface for incorporating and assessing huge amounts of location-based information. Effective management of any incident needs precise mapping and the aptitude to query and analyze real-time information as it becomes available. GIS provides the means to spatially filter information so that the controllers are not weighed down with information. GIS tools offer great data integration and visualisation and can allow controllers to swiftly assess the situation and quickly assimilate large quantities of information visually. GIS allows for seamless and effective incorporation of police data along with location information, demographics data and infrastructure thus transforming information into actionable intelligence (ESRI, 2010). Statement of the Problem Geographic Information System (GIS) has already been used in developed countries for a long time. After realizing the effectiveness of the GIS, Abu Dhabi police has also introduced this technology to combat crime. The present paper will attempt to solve the lack of demonstration of efficacy of GIS in crime analysis that can considerably improve Abu Dhabi police capability to further lessen crimes in the area. The Purpose of the Study The main purpose of this paper is to focus on how the GIS technology can help in crime analysis and thereby fighting crime in Abu Dhabi by the police. The analysis involves the use of satellite images and other valuable data from independent and UAE based sources to perform hotspot analysis to identify trouble spots. There will also be suggestions on how this information can be used pragmatically to fight crime and formulate crime prevention strategies. Literature Review Crime Analysis Crime analysis involves a methodical analysis by law enforcement agencies so as to identify the trends and patterns in committing crime. This can help agencies in using resources in a more useful manner and provide a means to develop solutions to issues and improve crime prevention strategies. A crime analysis can be performed on a tactical, operational or strategic level. Crime data is utilized by analysts for rapid identification of new or existing patterns of crime. This phenomenon is analysed for related factors and then used to predict future occurrences of crimes. These patterns and information are used toward targeting highly threatening crime (Osbourne and Wernicke, 2003). GIS use in Crime Analysis All kinds of crime and disorder problems are linked to some particular location or geographic information. Making use of location information system can significantly help law enforcement agencies to gain a better indulgent of the nature of the problems and establish better solutions. By using techniques such as Hotspot analysis, law enforcement agencies can map crime recurrent areas and make more informed decisions about their tactics. GIS helps in recognising and highlighting the suspicious areas which need to be investigated more. It supports trend analysis across more than one jurisdiction and helps enhance the implementation methods that combat crime and disorder. Through incorporation of all data available through law enforcement agencies, GIS improves the quality of overall analysis. Furthermore, it provides the tools to capture a crime series and envisage the occurrences of future crimes (ESRI, 2010). Use of GIS in the Middle East There are many Middle Eastern countries such as UAE and Bahrain have equipped their law enforcement agencies with state-of-the-art tools and training to fight global terrorism. As part of this approach, Police in several Middle Eastern countries make active use of GIS. For example, in Bahrain, police makes use of an intricate system that involves a network of 3000 CCTV and other IT applications to maintain law and order in the country. Data from these sources is then utilized to perform a crime analysis using GIS applications that enable it to spot crime trends and current hotspot areas for managing resources effectively (TradeArabia, 2010). Abu Dhabi, an emirate of UAE, is at present, actively working on implementing GIS strategy that was introduced in 2009. With GIS the police gain access to applications that will provide geographical information about on-field units to the dispatcher resulting in better police guidance, rescues and fire-fighting to the spot where needed (Gangal, 2009). Ahmed Alhammadi Research Hypothesis The research hypothesis for this project will be "Can the usability of the GIS techniques bring sufficient results in contracting feasible methods in deterring crime?" Research Questions Research question that this project will attempt to answer include: - What benefit can the use of GIS based crime analysis bring to law enforcement agencies? - What is the current status of use of GIS in Abu Dhabi police? - How is crime analysis done by Abu Dhabi police currently? - How can GIS based hotspot analysis benefit Abu Dhabi police? - What recommendations can be made to Abu Dhabi police to improve its crime fighting and prevention capabilities using GIS? Ahmed Alhammadi K0946756 Proposed Research Methodology Selected Research Design The current research will help us understand the GIS techniques like "Hotspot Analysis" and how it can be used for mapping for crime frequency. Mapping will be used to formulate recommendations creating interpretive research. The use of maps and other data rather than just statistics will make the research qualitative (Saunders, 2007). Primary Research The main research will be performed using hotspot analysis. The data and mapping needed for doing this analysis will be obtained from the Internet and Abu Dhabi Police based sources. To perform a complete research, the analysis will be performed on macro and micro level of city using city level and area level maps in ArcGIS software. Each crime will be mapped to its location of occurrence by utilizing available crime data from Abu Dhabi police and geographical data available through maps. This analysis will be concluded with recommendations. Secondary Research In order to bring meaningful information, I have used various resources to collect data. These resources include articles, books, local and public and university libraries to accomplish secondary research for this project. Articles being used in this project include Geographical Analysis Crime Mapping and the CrimeStat Program, and Spatial monitoring of geographic patterns. Limitations This research will attempt to explore the benefits of GIS based crime analysis for Abu Dhabi police for the first time possibly making it research comprehensive. Another limitation is the difficulty in obtaining maps and crime data related to Abu Dhabi from police and other sources. The less data that is made available, the more this research is going to lose accuracy and importance. Furthermore, a constraint of funds may not allow traveling to Abu Dhabi to obtain the required data or cover purchasing costs and the limited time allocated for this research effects comprehensiveness. Benefits to GIS Technology in Crime Analysis by Abu Dhabi Police (ADP) Law enforcement is linked with problem solving and GIS technology is able to provide the geographic advantage for law enforcement enterprise information systems by turning data into actionable knowledge. A GIS combines different strata of data about a particular site to give a better understanding of that site and what is actually happening around it. The data and information you collect depends on your purpose such as analyzing crimes to detect emerging patterns, examining the best locations to conduct surveillance for a recent crime series, or establishing a perimeter for a crime scene or natural disaster. Source: esri website Law enforcement utilizes GIS technology for various purposes: To establish optimal locations for deploying resources; To analyse the dynamics of an event to make well-versed decisions and operational adjustments, To find and scrutinize suspicious activity and threats To improve officer safety and efficiency by offering information and alertness of repeat incidents To develop a crime scene log to make sure the reliability of an investigation The Abu Dhabi Police (ADP) is using GIS technology to assemble people and processes for making better decisions. ADP is using ArcGIS software that supports different sections including emergency field management, command and control, GIS task force management and automatic vehicle location. GIS Center for Security (GISCS) has been formed, which is responsible for handling GIS data and applications for all ADP and emergency departments. GIS-based software provides emergency plans and mechanically brings together data and processes from several emergency and nonemergency applications. A strategic project is being evaluated, which is aimed for police task force management (TFM) to improve response time and resource planning – this will make certain various system users and decision makers to envisage data, ensuring well-organized and effective resource allocation and exploitation. The Abu Dhabi Police (ADP) is currently using GIS technology to identify and highlight suspicious incidents and events that may require further investigation. They are integrating traditional and nontraditional law enforcement data to advance overall analysis. They are using modern tools and techniques to capture crime series and predict future crime occurrences. In addition, ArcGIS Spatial analysis is being used to perform terrain analysis, conduct risk assessment, predict fire risk perform demographic analysis, and determine areas of high value, to name only a few. Source: esri website GIS technology is a boon for Abu Dhabi police to combat and prevent crime. Since GIS uses different computer technologies and databases to analyse spatial relationships, a comprehensive training program must be launched to train ADP so that they could analyse the data accurately and use the information in the best possible manner. Significance of the Research Personal Significance Since I live in Abu Dhabi, this project means a lot to me in exploring the use of Geographic Information System in combating crime. This project brings a great opportunity for me to prove the effectiveness of the GIS for Abu Dhabi Police. It is a system that law enforcement authorities have just begun to explore. The results of this very project will defend a more active quest of these technologies. Significance to the Research Industry Currently, there are only a few literatures available that explore GIS in Middle Eastern countries. Middle East countries have a unique geography and a very efficient but diverse police system and it would be very interesting to observe how GIS base crime analysis would help police organizations in these countries. By exploring the case of Abu Dhabi, the present research will make a significant contribution towards GIS based crime analysis literature and will serve as foundation for exploring this area further. K0946756Contribution to the Society The results and recommendations highlighted in this paper are sure to significantly profit both the police and citizens of Abu Dhabi. The successful demonstration of Hotspot analysis for crime analysis in Abu Dhabi would not only lift up the interest of Abu Dhabi police authorities in implementing a GIS based system for crime fighting and prevention but would also make the people of Abu Dhabi more secure. References Chainey, S and Ratcliffe, J. 2005. GIS and Crime Mapping. John Wiley and Sons. Dressler, J. 2002. Encyclopedia of crime and justice. Macmillan Reference USA. ESRI. 2010. Applying GIS Technology to Crime Analysis. ESRI [online]. Available from . Access date 13 March 2011. Gangal, N. 2009. Abu Dhabi Police to use GIS technology. Arabian Business Website [online] Available from . Access Date 13 March 2011. Osborne, D and Wernicke, S. 2003. Introduction to crime analysis: basic resources for criminal justice practice. Routledge. Saunders et al M. 2007. Research Methods for Business Students, Essex: Pearson Education. TradeArabia. 2010. Bahrain's police force goes high-tech. TradeArabia Website [online] Available from . Access Date 13 March 2011. Read More