The use of GIS in police forces across the world has increased considerably using programs such as CrimeStat and CompStat. Major police forces such as the NYPD have used GIS tremendously to identify problem neighbourhoods to send extra police to patrol. The underlying logic of the relationship of crime and GIS is similar to that of health and GIS. However, unlike health geography, the relationship between place and crime is much more complex and convoluted bringing into question the ethics of targeting neighbourhoods using GIS. The concepts in environmental criminology are based on routine activity, rational choice, and criminal pattern theory. The issue with environmental criminology is that it can promote preventative policing in neighbourhoods such as the “Broken Windows” policing practices widely used in New York from the 80’s to mid 00’s. The burden of living in a neighbourhood identified through gis as having high potential for crime can fall heavily on the those not involved calling into question the ethics of classifying areas through crime and increasing police presence. None the less analyzing crime with GIS is a powerful tool for police forces to focus their efforts on areas that are identified as needing the most help and can be a positive force.
Thoughts on GEOB 479
