GIS is widely adopted nowadays in the realm of crime analysis due to the emergence of a sub-discipline within criminology, known as environmental criminology. Environmental criminology studies the geographical distribution of offences, of victimization and offender residence. Since most crime follows a geographic pattern, GIS is a valuable tool to identify problem areas, produce maps for officers to use in the field, keep track of particular offenders, and assist in solving crimes. Three theories were examined in detail in this lecture:

Routine Activity Theory.

This theory follows the equation of likely offender + suitable target –capable guardian = crime opportunity. Routine activities are highly spatial. GIS is especially useful in identifying the place and targets, and thus predict the occurrence of crimes based on the spatial distribution of crime “ingredients”.

Criminal Pattern Theory

Offenders are influenced by the daily activities and routines of their lives. They will tend to concentrate in areas that are known to them. In their day-to-day activities, they will be watching for targets that have no guardians or place managers. Therefore adopting GIS in Criminal Pattern Theory can help us understand where and when of offences will occur.

Rational Choice Theory

This theory gives us some insight into what an offender is thinking when they decide to commit the crime.