In this lecture I learned about the application of GIS in studying crime. GIS can aid authorities in multiple ways, the best use of GIS is visualizing the occurrences of crime in an area which is an important information in determining whether there is a spatial pattern or not.
In order to understand the geographic relationship with crime, three theories were raised in order to address this question: Routine Activity Theory, Rational Choice Theory, and Criminal Pattern Theory. Routine activity theory explains crimes committed base on routine activity of people, and for instance predicts that residential homes are burglarized during weekdays in the daytime, and commercial properties are burglarized during the weekend and nighttime hours. On the other hand, criminal pattern theory states that offenders are influenced by the daily activities and routines of their daily lives; they tend to concentrate in areas that are known to them. Lastly, criminal pattern theory helps us understand where and when the offence will occur. Thus, the three theories all involves geographic components that ultimately influence a criminal’s motive and the location where they are likely to commit a crime.