Exploratory Spatial Analysis of Type 1 Crimes in Puerto Rico

Abstract

Criminal activity has a spatial and a temporal component. Police investigations have long relied on maps for a better understanding of criminal activity patterns. Monitoring crime statistics by entering paper forms into a computer database or sticking pins on a paper map is a static process of historical data collection, where the results might not be available for months after a criminal incident. Combining the use of different readily available technologies like GIS, GPS and Relational Databases, among others can provide police departments with near real-time tools to better document and reference crime incidents in their jurisdiction. The visual aspect of GIS can sometimes reveal patterns and relationships that could be buried deep inside the data. This article explores the potential tools that a well-organized police department could use for fighting crime. Using GIS spatiotemporal analysis along with other technologies we are able to better understand the behavioral patterns of crime. Key Terms - Crime Mapping, Criminal Statistics, Law Enforcement GIS, Spatiotemporal Analysis