Our final presentation was centered on the use of three different analytical approaches (OLS, GWR, DEA) to modeling assault density in an urban setting. Research was done explicitly in Cincinnati, Ohio.
To predict assault rates between January and June of 2008, the authors use 2006 population density statistics from Caliper Corporation, density of alcohol outlets from the Ohio Division of Liquor Control, and a social disorganization index calculated from socio-economic disadvantage, female headed-households, and residential instability, as independent variables. The authors investigate the comparative strengths, usefulness, and congruity between the analysis methods in discovering differences in crime generation and underlying demographic and socioeconomic stimuli.
This type of research leads to more efficient allocation of police resources to neighbourhoods in need, and more careful evaluation of the spatial, demographic, socioeconomic and institutional factors behind the distinct crime rates in others.