Sleipnir: a threat measurement technique

Sleipnir: a threat measurement technique developed by the RCMP is a technique you may want to use in or adapt for your own work.

Learning to think like a thief to catch a thief

Learning to think like a thief to catch a thief is a great article highlighting the value of crime analysts.

The End of a Year

The last day of the year is tomorrow and this is the 400th post on this blog. Happy New Year!

I started the blog in January 2008 with the goal of helping you: the working analyst, the change agent toiling in the field, and the student seeking more information. I thank those of you who have encouraged me to continue this work when I wanted to give up. I will continue to post to the blog in 2009.

May your 2009 be filled with the opportunity to make a difference in this world.

Intelligence Theory Key Questions and Debates

A new resource:

Intelligence Theory
Key Questions and Debates
Edited by Peter Gill, Stephen Marrin, Mark Phythian

"This edited volume brings together a range of essays by individuals who are centrally involved in the debate about the role and utility of theory in intelligence studies."

Richmond, Virginia, Police Department Helps Lower Crime Rates with Crime Prediction Software

Richmond, Virginia, Police Department Helps Lower Crime Rates with Crime Prediction Software is an interesting article focused on crime analysis and prediction published this month in Government Technology.

Merry Christmas from Bailey the Unknown Reindeer

This dog moves through the snow like analysts move through data!!!!

Happy Holidays!

Web site can shed light on crime in your area

Web site can shed light on crime in your area is an interesting article in that it features the fact that Colorado Springs maps every call-for-service and lets the public view this data. That is a rare policy move... The data doesn't give the exact street information but it allows citizens to see the calls on their blocks.

Wikipedia new weapon in RCMP arsenal?

Wikipedia new weapon in RCMP arsenal?

Modernization meets law enforcement...Will they marry? This is a step toward that union.

A Path to Counterterrorism Doctrine: Countering Terrorism with Knowledge

A Path to Counterterrorism Doctrine: Countering Terrorism with Knowledge is a a quick-read publication with the premise of "getting back to the basics" of intelligence led policing. It is authored by the Memorial Institute for the Prevention of Terrorism's Deputy Director, David Cid.

Remarks by Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff at the 2008 End of the Year Address

Remarks by Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff at the 2008 End of the Year Address Release Date: December 18, 2008, Washington, D.C.,Georgetown University

Quote of the Week

"The prediction of crime risk, although interesting, will remain without impact unless those designing and manufacturing products have some incentive to consider the crime and disorder implications of their actions." Rachel Armitage and Ken Pease in Predicting and Preventing the Theft of Electronic Products

Financial Time Bombs

Financial Time Bombs is an op-ed by Charles Duelfer and Jim Rickards in today's New York Times. It asserts that national security intelligence analysis should focus on threats to the economy in light of our most recent catastrophes. Perhaps this concept will have national security leaders looking to law enforcement models of economic crime intelligence analysis...???

Fact Sheet: DHS End-of-Year Accomplishments

Fact Sheet: DHS End-of-Year Accomplishments
Release Date: December 18, 2008

Quote of the Week

"There are two main components with regard to the ability of an intelligence system to influence decision-makers. First, it is important that the intelligence units are able to actually identify the influential decision-makers in the criminal justice system. Secondly, it is useful to examine the relationship between decision-makers and their intelligence staff."

Jerry Ratcliffe in The Effectiveness of Police Intelligence Management: A New Zealand Case Study

Mapping the Rats in New York City

Mapping the Rats in New York City is a Time article that puts a new twist on crime mapping. :-)

Serving and protecting on a tight budget - JOLIET POLICE

Serving and protecting on a tight budget is an article that highlights the value of an analyst in these budget crisis times.

The Memorial Institute for the Prevention of Terrorism

"The Memorial Institute for the Prevention of Terrorism (MIPT) is a terrorism prevention training center for police officers, investigators, intelligence analysts and first responders offering the largest open source collection of documents on counterterrorism."

I am here at the MIPT conducting Advanced Criminal Intelligence Analysis to Prevent Terrorism training with the NW3C. The MIPT site is located exactly next to the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing site. It is very poignant to view the memorial site outside the fifth story window of this building and even more so considering the subject of the training.

The MIPT has an extensive library on site and many resources online. Check it out.

Report: WORLD AT RISK

WORLD AT RISK
The Report of the Commission on the Prevention of WMD Proliferation and Terrorism

From this December 2008 report submitted to Congress:

"The Commission believes that unless the world community acts decisively
and with great urgency, it is more likely than not that a weapon of
mass destruction will be used in a terrorist attack somewhere in the
world by the end of 2013."

Quote of the Week

"The most debilitating factor in the Indian intelligence war on terrorism has been the reluctance, and even refusal, to share information among the intelligence and security agencies." ~ from The Economic Times, Indiatimes article Failure of Indian intelligence: The buck stops nowhere

Port St. Lucie Police, FAU professor receive award

Port St. Lucie Police, FAU professor receive award
Rachel Boba, author of the book Crime Analysis and Crime Mapping won an award for her work in Port St Lucie, for a crime reduction and prevention approach called "Integrated Model of Problem Solving, Analysis and Accountability."

USF students map human trafficking areas

USF students map human trafficking areas

This interesting article refers readers to the site SlaveryMap.org. Check it out!

Baseline Capabilities for State and Major Urban Area Fusion Centers

Baseline Capabilities for State and Major Urban Area Fusion Centers

This document identifies the baseline capabilities for fusion centers and the operational standards necessary to achieve each of the capabilities.

The new crime fighter: A civilian analyst

The new crime fighter: A civilian analyst is a great article!

Mercyhurst Graffiti Project

Mercyhurst College Intelligence Studies students worked with the city of Erie, PA on a graffiti project. Check out their informative wiki here.

Dale Smith on Training for Analysts from the NW3C

Listen to Dale Smith on the latest Analysts' Corner Blog Talk Radio show on training for analysts from the National White Collar Crime Center.

New link to show: https://www.leapodcasts.com/p/analysts-corner-podcast/

Iowa Fusion Center director given international civil rights award

"Russell Porter, director of Iowa’s Intelligence Fusion Center, received the 2008 Civil Rights Award for individual achievement from the International Association of Chiefs of Police." Read article...

Intellipedians

Briefing on ‘The Intellipedians’

"In this Web audio-slide presentation, Chris Rasmussen, Knowledge Management Officer, Intellipedia, National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, Department of Defense, talks about what it’s like to work as an Intellipedian, the rules they live by, and how the new tools are helping transform the ways of the intelligence-processing for good. Rasmussen made this presentation at FCW’s recent Spring Government CIO Summit, in Ft. Myers, Fla."

Quote of the Week

"Unfortunately, seven years after 9/11, the Texas Department of Public Safety still has a major problem in the way it gathers, analyzes, manages and shares information. This problem was the single most often-cited concern by DPS personnel in the course of this study."

Deloitte's Management and Organizational Structure Study for the Texas Department of Public Safety

Critical Thinking and Analytic Methods (CTAM) Course Announcement

Critical Thinking and Analytic Methods (CTAM) course:

This is a DHS Intelligence analysis course designed to train
intelligence and law enforcement personnel within the DHS HQ, DHS
Component Agencies and our State, Local and Tribal (SL&T) partners basic analytical methods and critical thinking skills in a collaborative environment. The course will be held at the Unclassified FOUO level to ensure maximum participation from all across DHS and our SL&T partners. The CTAM course is on the DHS Grants and Training catalog, so SL&T personnel can use federal grant money to attend.

Class size is limited to 24 students. Course Registration closes on November 12, 2008. Registration is on a first come - first served basis. However, the course managers will endeavor to insure broad representation within the course.

Course: Critical Thinking and Analytic Methods (CTAM) Dates: November 17 – 21, 2008 Location: Homeland Security Intelligence Training Center (HSITC) 45065 Riverside Parkway, Ashburn, VA 20147 Clearance: None / Unclassified FOUO Deadline: November 12, 2008 Tuition is free.

Course administrators will provide further administrative instructions/materials upon student registration.

Enrollment procedures: Interested applicants must submit an approved SF- 182 by COB November 12, 2008 to the Training Registrars (Kris Peerman/Marlys Rayford) or via FAX at 202-447-3600 ATTN: Marlys Rayford, in order to register for the course and to receive location directions.

POC's for additional information on the CTAM course are: Phil Wright
phillip.wright@associates.dhs.com , and the Training Registrar: Kris
Peerman ia-registrar@dhs.gov (202-282-9892).

BJA in Intelligence-Led Policing

The Bureau of Justice Assistance's web page on Intelligence-Led Policing has links to many resources.

Guidance for fusion centers to be released

Read this important article: Guidance for fusion centers to be released

Sharing Files

Here is a free resource for sharing files online: drop.io
Of course, you would use it for anything private, but it may be good way to share open source materials.

Quote of the Week

"Analysis is indispensable to tactical and strategic planning—record management systems are robust, analysts are well-trained and equipped, actionable intelligence products are regularly produced to inform both tactical and strategic decisions."

~Bureau of Justice Assistance on Intelligence-Led Policing

Blog Talk Radio: Street Prostitution

Street prostitution is a crime problem that can be addressed through problem oriented policing approaches. "Low level" crimes such as these contribute to the social decay of cities and are "attractors" of serious violent crime. Street prostitutes are the victims of violent crimes. Join me, Deborah Osborne, and Dr. Pamela Beal as we discuss methods to reduce the problem of street prostitution in communities. Dr. Beal was a winner of the Herman Goldstein award for her problem oriented policing project focused on tackling street prostitution. The Center for Problem Oriented Policing offers a guide on this topic: Street Prostitution. Read Workable Solutions to the Problem of Street Prostitution in Buffalo, NY.

New link to show: https://www.leapodcasts.com/p/analysts-corner-podcast/

Policing: A Journal Of Policy and Practice

Policing: A Journal Of Policy and Practice is a new journal available by subscription - the first issue, on Policing Terrorism, is free.

Intelligence is not a Dirty Word

This article, in the Canberra Times, is worth reading.

ixReveal's free tool uReka

Some of you know that I am on the Board of Advisors for the text analytics software company ixReveal. There is a free trial download of their tool uReka which can help you in searching your own systems as well as open source searches.

Jacksonville Sheriff's Office uses uReveal to conduct sophisticated analysis of structured and unstructured text. Read more about this ixReveal product here....

NIJ Seeks Deputy Director to Lead Social Science Research Efforts

Job Opportunity at the National Institute of Justice
NIJ Seeks Deputy Director to Lead Social Science Research Efforts

The National Institute of Justice (NIJ), the research, evaluation, and development arm of the U.S. Department of Justice, is seeking a dynamic, enthusiastic, and forward-thinking individual to lead and manage NIJ's Office of Research and Evaluation (ORE). ORE is comprised of three divisions: Crime Control and Prevention; Violence and Victimization; and Justice Systems.

The ideal applicant will have extensive leadership and management experience, in addition to substantive expertise in the area of criminal justice. Applicants must have experience in long-range planning and development of criminal justice research and evaluation programs. Applicants must demonstrate their ability to build successful relationships and partnerships both internally and with other Federal agencies; State, local, and tribal governments; nonprofit and private sector organizations; educational institutions; or international organizations. A Ph.D. in criminology, sociology, psychology, or a related field is strongly preferred.

Duties include:

* Provide supervision and oversight of an office of 25+ individuals;
* Provide technical support and leadership on a variety of criminal justice and social science research initiatives;
* Establish and maintain effective working relationships with various high-level individuals within and external to DOJ;
* Provide advice, guidance, and assistance to the NIJ Director on criminal and juvenile justice research initiatives.

View more information about this position.

NIJ staff will be available to answer questions about this position at the annual meeting of the American Society of Criminology Conference in St. Louis, MO. Visit the "What's Up at NIJ?" panel in the St. Louis Ballroom B on Friday, November 14 from 9:30-10:50 a.m.

Foreclosures and Crime: A Geographical Perspective

Foreclosures and Crime: A Geographical Perspective

See this article and articles on this important topic in the current Geography & Public Safety: A Quarterly Bulletin of Applied Geography for the Study of Crime & Public Safety, Volume 1 Issue 3 | October 2008

Renown Futurist Marv Centron on Terrorism

Many law enforcement analysts work in Homeland Security and will find this Analysts' Corner Blog Talk Radio show relevant. What is the future of terrorism? How should we look at the problem? Join me, Deborah Osborne, and Dr. Marvin Cetron, as we discuss terrorism and the future. Dr. Marvin Cetron is the Founder and President of Forecasting International and is one of the foremost forecaster-futurists in the world. During his 20 year career in research and development planning and forecasting with the U.S. Navy, Dr. Marvin Cetron was in charge of the design, development and implementation of the most comprehensive technological forecast in the United States. Dr. Marvin Cetron has authored numerous articles, papers and publications and he has authored over three dozen books. Read 55 Trends Now Shaping the Future of Terrorism mentioned on this show.

New link to show: https://www.leapodcasts.com/p/analysts-corner-podcast/

Reorganizing U.S. Domestic Intelligence: Assessing the Options

This RAND monograph by Gregory F. Treverton is available for purchase and as a free pdf file on the RAND website.

Description:

"One of the questions in the fight against terrorism is whether the United States needs a dedicated domestic intelligence agency separate from law enforcement, on the model of many comparable democracies. To examine this issue, Congress directed that the Department of Homeland Security perform an independent study on the feasibility of creating a counterterrorism intelligence agency and the department turned to the RAND Corporation for this analysis but asked it specifically not to make a recommendation. This volume lays out the relevant considerations for creating such an agency. It draws on a variety of research methods, including historical and legal analysis; a review of organizational theory; examination of current domestic intelligence efforts, their history, and the public's view of them; examination of the domestic intelligence agencies in six other democracies; and interviews with an expert panel made up of current and former intelligence and law enforcement professionals. The monograph highlights five principal problems that might be seen to afflict current domestic intelligence enterprise; for each, there are several possible solutions, and the creation of a new agency addresses only some of the five problems. The volume discusses how a technique called break-even analysis can be used to evaluate proposals for a new agency in the context of the perceived magnitude of the terrorism threat. It concludes with a discussion of how to address the unanswered questions and lack of information that currently cloud the debate over whether to create a dedicated domestic intelligence agency."

The Intelligence Cycle: Project Runway Style

Here is an entertaining blog post with a new twist in describing the intelligence cycle. It would make a nice ice breaking instructional tool in an introductory class.

Energy Security In Mexico: Problems and Implications

Here is some fuel for thought....

An excerpt:

"The following quotes from a wide-ranging group of Mexican security and energy analysts illustrate that the country has major security issues when it comes to protecting its energy infrastructure:
* “Nobody's in charge of the pipeline system. Nobody is accountable for it” – George Baker, publisher of the Houston newsletter Mexico Energy Intelligence
* “The bottom line is that Mexico does not have an internal security strategy” – Abelardo Rodriquez Sumano, national security expert at the Technological Institute of Monterrey
* "To try and guard this extensive and complicated network of pipelines with police or soldiers is simply impossible” – Sergio Sarmiento, energy columnist
* “Pemex still needs to improve security intelligence in a big way” – Elena Azaola, national security expert at the Center of Investigations and Social Anthropological Studies
* "These stations are not protected at all” – Agustin Humman, Vice-President of the Mexican Natural Gas Association, on Pemex leaving several visible, above ground energy stations unguarded"

F.B.I. Struggles to Handle Wave of Financial Fraud Cases

F.B.I. Struggles to Handle Wave of Financial Fraud Cases is an interesting article. Where is the strategic thinking in resource allocation? If we react to the problems du jour and do not look at the whole picture in the broadest sense, we give the power to those who create the most obvious problems rather than ourselves.

Thirty Tools for Writers

Make your writing clearer!Thirty Tools for Writers is an article that can benefit analysts.

Quote of the Week

"I see intelligence analysis as a broader decision support function, rather than a narrow secret state function, and as such can be taught, applied and investigated in all areas where sense has to be made of the myriad conflicting signals."

Source: Dalene Duvanage in her paper Private/academic partnership in intelligence analysis training: The South African experience presented at the 2008 International Association for Intelligence Education conference.

Chief Tom Casady on the IACA conference

Read Chief Casady's comments on the International Association of Crime Analysts conference.

Why are there so few police leaders in the membership of analysts' associations?

Robert Heibel: Knowledge Workers in Intelligence

Listen to Robert Heibel, Executive Director of the Mercyhurst College Institute for Intelligence Studies, on my latest Analysts' Corner Blog Talk Radio show.

New link to show: https://www.leapodcasts.com/p/analysts-corner-podcast/

Remarks by Under Secretary Charles Allen at the Maritime Security Council

Remarks by Under Secretary Charles Allen at the Maritime Security Council
Release Date: October 7, 2008
Washington, D.C.
Maritime Security Council 2008 Leadership Summit
(Remarks as Prepared)

Multiagency Course: Introduction to Basic Drug Intelligence Analysis

Multiagency Course: Introduction to Basic Drug Intelligence Analysis

SUMMARY:

The Multiagency Course was created in 1997 through the cooperative efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, National Guard Bureau, U.S. Customs Service, Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, and National Drug Intelligence Center. The National Drug Intelligence Center funds and coordinates the course.

September 11th has reaffirmed that communication, cooperation, and information sharing within and among agencies are of paramount importance. During the Multiagency Course you will have the opportunity to network with intelligence analysts and law enforcement officers from your own area and from across the country. You will discuss local drug trends with other participants and acquire insight into what is being seen in other parts of the country. Law enforcement officers will learn what analysts can do for them. Analysts will learn what law enforcement officers need. You will receive contact information for participants from all sites so you can develop cooperative relationships.

Additionally, you will have the opportunity to learn from and interact with subject matter experts from federal agencies. We will provide contact information for all instructors in case you have questions after the class.

During the course week, you will be exposed to a broad spectrum of drug and intelligence topics and skills. This broad exposure will get you started in drug intelligence analysis and will help you identify the areas where you need more in-depth training.

The Multiagency Course is delivered via interactive videoteletraining (IVT) providing two-way audio and video links. This course is broadcast from our classroom in the Washington, D.C., area to the receiving sites. Analyst facilitators are available at each site to assist participants with course materials, questions, practical exercises, and the IVT technology. IVT is an economical alternative to traditional offsite training which requires travel and lodging costs.

Course Dates and Locations:

November 17-21, 2008:

Los Angeles, CA
Carson City, NV
Monmouth, OR
Fort Indiantown Gap, PA
Washington, D.C., area

FUNDING:

Training and materials are provided at no cost by the National Drug Intelligence Center. Participants are responsible for all travel, lodging and per diem costs.

ELIGIBILITY:

Federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement personnel (including active duty military and National Guard) who are able to attend all training sessions, are willing to participate, and have a strong desire to learn about basic drug intelligence analysis should attend. The course is open to U.S. law enforcement personnel only.

TO REGISTER OR FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:

Call the Registrar at (814) 532-4028 or e-mail ndic.training@usdoj.gov. The fax number is (814) 532-4920. The course website is located at http://www.usdoj.gov/ndic/magency.htm.

IntelligenceAnalysis.net

This is a website by a Principal Analyst in the UK critical of the UK's National Intelligence Model. While I do not agree with the site's contents in general, it is worth considering a voice critical to what is in place.

Crime Analysis in the News

Crime analysis is mentioned in the following articles:

5 held in robberies of coin-operated businesses

Thefts from automobiles on the rise in area

Cost-cutters turn focus to police

Crime-free housing program to be up for approval Tuesday

Two Invitations

Dear Readers,

Here are two invitations to dedicated analysts and leaders in the field:

1. I am looking for one or more persons to add to this blog on a regular basis - on a volunteer basis. I don't get paid so I cannot pay you, but this is an opportunity to help me keep the blog going while I concentrate on other areas. Paste your resume in an email and tell me why you want to do this and what value you hope to add... and, hopefully, you can help me improve the site! If anyone fills this offer by being suitable from my point of view, I will allow he/she access to posting.

2. If you are interested in being a guest on Analysts' Corner Blog Talk Radio show, send me an email with your topic and qualifications. To participate, all you have to do is call in to a number at a specific, agreed upon time. Shows can be 15 minutes to an hour long. (They can be longer but that is all I am up to doing!)

Thanks to all of you for making this a rewarding endeavor!

Debbie

Fact Sheet: Attorney General Consolidated Guidelines for FBI Domestic Operations

"The guidelines are consistent with recommendations of three major national advisory bodies and studies that the FBI become a more flexible and adept collector of intelligence." Read more...

No rift between OPP, Toronto police, officials say

Fusion centers are at the core of this article in the news about Toronto and the Ontario Provincial Police.

Matt White on Building Better Analytical Units

Listen to the latest Analysts' Corner Blog Talk Radio show, Building Better Analytical Units. I absolutely guarantee that you will get at least one new idea from listening to this discussion today with Matt White!

New link to show: https://www.leapodcasts.com/p/analysts-corner-podcast/

The West Side Story Project

Learn about the West Side Story Project as a crime and conflict prevention tool on my latest Analysts' Corner Blog Talk Radio show. For more information on the project and using arts in crime prevention: americansforthearts.org (searchable database on youth arts prevention projects, including one on using the arts for conflict resolution) 5thavenue.org (information on the West Side Story Project) cops.usdoj.gov (West Side Story Project tool kit should be available online in Spring 2009) Email for more information on the project: pam.beal@seattle.gov I refer to the book The Story Factor: Inspiration, Influence, and Persuasion through the Art of Storytelling by Annette Simmons on the show. It is a great resource in understanding how we might use stories to change the status quo.

New link to show: https://www.leapodcasts.com/p/analysts-corner-podcast/

Back from Vacation...

Here are some interesting news stories that have appeared in the news since I've been away on vacation:

Crime analysis targets problems

Police warn of vehicles being used for break-ins

Testimony of Charles E. Allen before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Homeland Security, Subcommittee on Intelligence, Information Sharing and Terrorism Risk Assessment

Not the usual suspects

Making an IMPACT: Crimefighting effort yielding desired results on streets of Kingston

Sheriff targeting large burglary rings

Google Tech Talks

For you techies out there - here is a cool resource on YouTube: Google Tech Talks

Change in Thinking - Systems Thinking

This video gives an introduction to systems thinking...



Systems thinking is important in the development of crime and intelligence analysis.

Critical Thinking and The Intellectual Traits

Dr. Richard Paul on the intellectual traits important in critical thinking...

Tony Buzan and MIND MAPPING

Here is another video on thinking skills...

Six Thinking Hats Lecture by Edward DeBono

While I am on vacation in Italy, I hope to entertain and educate you with lecture on experts in thinking skills via preselected YouTube videos. Enjoy!

Below is a video that will give you an overview of Six Thinking Hats, a concept I have used in my presentations on thinking skills for analysts. It can be applied to the work of analysis.

Nationwide theft spree ended here, police say

This article is a great example of why we need to communicate, analyze and create intelligence that might someday make us better at catching chronic criminals early rather than later in their careers.

LEANALYST

This is a message forwarded to me by David Jimenez (for some of you it will be highly relevant - if you don't know what I'm writing about, then this message is not for you!):

Hello everyone,

I talked to Linda Hammond a few days ago and she has had to take our LEANALYST server off line until they can figure out what is going on. Could be hacking. Might not be. There are people investigating it. Anyway, by taking it completely off line, our info on it is safe. She said it may be down for another month.

So, please, if you know of other members who are eligible to join CYBERCOPS, get them to send me a message to k7va@comcast.net with all of their agency information including govt e-mail, and I will do my best to get them up here on CYBERCOP.

Ray Sanford
Administrator, LEANALYST (SECURE) on CYBERCOP
Administrator, Coast Guard Investigative Association (CGIA) on CYBERCOP
mailto:k7va@comcast.net

4knowledge

Here is a new blog by my friend and analysis expert from South Africa, Dalene Duvanage.

Police Strategies and Tactics: What Every Analyst Should Know

A good resource: Police Strategies and Tactics: What Every Analyst Should Know by Christopher W. Bruce ● President ● International Association of Crime Anaysts ● July 31, 2008

Intelligence Analysis: Continuity and Change

This is an interesting video about analytical staffing, analytical tools, and change in the Intelligence Community...

Omagh GCHQ intelligence

This is an interesting article on intelligence sharing issues/problems in the Omagh bombing investigation.

Henley-Putnam University

Here are some details about an online program of interest to current and future analysts:

"Henley-Putnam is a leader in the education of the developing strategic security industry because of its focused curriculum, advanced degrees, collaboration across military, law enforcement and the intelligence community and because of the "real-world experience" of its faculty and founders."

Our Mission

"Our university’s mission is to serve professionals in the strategic security industry, especially within the law enforcement, military and the intelligence community, by increasing their opportunities for advancement in the fields of intelligence management, counterterrorism studies, and the management of personal protection. Our focus is on delivering user friendly, high quality, online degree programs with an emphasis on furthering knowledge in deterrence and prevention.

About Henley-Putnam University

Henley-Putnam University was conceived after more than twelve years of planning and research to contribute to the professional development of protection, intelligence and counterterrorism tradecraft. The founders designed the University to meet the strategic security industry’s establishment of higher educational standards – and in keeping with this design, brought on board only faculty with real world experience in their respective fields. Today, Henley-Putnam University is a premier university for higher education in the advancing fields of protection, intelligence and counterterrorism."

International Association of Crime Analysts Survey

Members of the International Association of Crime Analysts should take this survey of they haven't already!

Survey from IALEIA website

Analysts can help in a research project by taking this survey:

SURVEY REQUEST: EXPLORING INTELLIGENCE-LED POLICING: Myths and Realities.

The focus of this survey is to assess Intelligence-Led Policing (ILP) to determinine whether ILP produces robust results that would lead to actionable intelligence in crime reduction. Is ILP being used in the U.S. or abroad in law enforcement agencies? Why does it work in some agencies and not others?#
Take the ILP survey
Point of contact: Trigo-Valdez, Edna at Edna.Trigo-Valdez@sdsheriff.org

9/11

As I watch the memorial services this morning, honoring those whose lives were lost so tragically seven years ago today, it is my hope that we continue to strive toward creating a safer world. It is my sincere and abiding belief that the development if crime and intelligence analysis can lead us much farther on that path. Let us not only hope nor give in to despair, but, rather, join together to work toward that safer world.

25 Personal Security Tips

25 Personal Security Tips to help you design crime prevention bulletins.

Joseph Concannon on New York Metro Infraguard

September 10, 2008 Analysts' Corner Blog Talk Radio Show Join me, Deborah Osborne, and retired NYPD Captain Joseph Concannon, as we discuss InfraGuard, alliances between the private and public sector, and the importance of analysis beyond policing boundaries. Joe is founder, President and CEO of the NY Metro InfraGuard Member Alliance and a 25 year veteran of the NYPD, where he won over 17 awards and commendations. InfraGuard is is a collaboration between the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the public and private sector promoting sharing information and dialog to help protect the critical infrastructure of our nation. Read the New York Metro InfraGuard brochure here.

New link to show: https://www.leapodcasts.com/p/analysts-corner-podcast/

Crime analyst on the way

This article touts the benefit of hiring a crime analyst...

Langley - Langley Crime Analyst Helps Police to Reduce Property Crime

This article describes the process of using an RCMP analyst to reduce property crime in British Columbia.

Handbook of Intelligent Policing

The Handbook of Intelligent Policing is a new book from the UK's Oxford University Press.

"In the last twenty-five years, there has been a growing awareness of the role of intelligence within law enforcement activity. This edited volume on intelligence is the first of its kind to draw together in one volume scholarly and practical perspectives on intelligence in policing. In a range of essays from leading experts and practitioners, this book sets out the main concepts and philosophies behind the practical framework for intelligence gathering and analysis in UK policing."

Why we don’t understand as much as we think we do

This talk on mental models is about other disciplines, but it illuminates an issue that is important in the critical thinking of analysts. It focuses on fostering good interpretation as opposed to hanging on to mental models that are in error.

Geographic Profiling

Join me and Dr. Kim Rossmo as we discuss Geographic Profiling on Analysts' Corner, on Blog Talk radio, at 3 PM EST today. Read about using new applications for geographic profiling in the article Hunting Insurgents.

New link to show: https://www.leapodcasts.com/p/analysts-corner-podcast/

Erik Hargrove

Someone should give this young man a full-time crime analysis job!

"Erik Hargrove knew that social networking sites like MySpace had become a magnet for sexual predators. What they didn't know was that Hargrove was about to devise a way to monitor them. Now, Hargrove's innovation is considered a model for law enforcement agencies." read more...

William Tafoya on Analysts' Corner

Listen to me and William Tafoya on Blog Tall Radio. Dr. William Tafoya is a professor from the University of New Haven's National Security Program (see www.newhaven.edu/nationalsecurity). This is a program that prepares students to become analysts in the US Intelligence Community. Bill is an internationally recognized authority on the law enforcement use of technology and the future of policing.

New link to show: https://www.leapodcasts.com/p/analysts-corner-podcast/

Crime rates for the city cause people to take notice

This is an article worth reading.

Resource posted by Chief Tom Casady on the IACA website:
Compare FBI Part 1 crime rates between two cities quickly:
http://www.areaconnect.com/crime/compare.htm

Jerry Ratcliffe on Intelligence Led Policing

Listen to Jerry Ratcliffe on the topic of Intelligence Led Policing on Analysts' Corner on Blog Talk Radio.

New link to show: https://www.leapodcasts.com/p/analysts-corner-podcast/

Jim Mallard on the Role of Technology in Crime and Intelligence Analysis

Listen to Jim Mallard on The Role of Technology in Crime and Intelligence Analysis on the latest Analysts' Corner Blog Talk Radio show.

New link to show: https://www.leapodcasts.com/p/analysts-corner-podcast/

The Role of Technology in Improving Crime and Intelligence Analysis

The next Analysts' Corner Blog Talk Radio show is called "The Role of Technology in Improving Crime and Intelligence Analysis". It is this Friday, 8/29/08, at 10 AM EST/9 AM CST. My guest is Jim Mallard. Listen live at the link or download the show as a podcast from iTunes, as an mp3 file from the BTR site, or listen on an RSS feed.... Jim Mallard is the Crime Analysis Supervisor for the Arlington, Texas Police Department. He manages a team of five analysts, including four crime analysts and an operations research analyst. Jim previously worked for the Gainesville, Florida Police Department, first as an intern in the IT department and later as a crime analyst. At GPD, Jim developed his interest in fusing technology with crime analysis. Jim has also volunteered as the webmaster for the International Association of Crime Analysts since 2004. In 2008, Jim won the Innovations in Crime Analysis Award sponsored by Corona Solutions, Inc. The award recognized Jim's creative approach to automating CompStat processes.

New link to show: https://www.leapodcasts.com/p/analysts-corner-podcast/

Crime Analysis Issues in the News

New High-Tech Crime Fighting Tool
"Techniques on the tv show CSI sometimes seem futuristic, not what you find in a place like Cincinnati, Ohio... until now. A federal grant is going to pay for software that pulls together databases that are being built right now." read more...

Will crime maps work?
"Last month the Home Office announced that everyone in England and Wales will have access to crime maps of their local area by the end of this year. But will they help cut crime, or could they have unforeseen consequences?" read more...

iTunes and Blog Talk Radio

My new Blog Talk Radio show, Analysts' Corner, is now available on iTunes in the form of a subscription and free podcasts. This means anyone with an Ipod or Iphone shopping in the iTunes store can find the show. Way cool!!!!

New link to show: https://www.leapodcasts.com/p/analysts-corner-podcast/

Great Resource!

101 Free Learning Tools

View SlideShare presentation or Upload your own. (tags: teaching thinking)

Improvement and Development Agency for local government (IDeA)

Improvement and Development Agency for local government (IDeA) is an interesting site with innovative ideas of working with and in the community.

Pinpointing Crimes With Latest Statistics

This news article features crime analysis in Austin, Texas. Austin Police Department Crime Analysts Sheila Hargis is quoted in the article and also in the video clip link at the site. Watching the video, you ill see a pin map on a wall emphasized as a tool to track crimes. While useful, it seems that computerized, interactive maps would be much more useful and would be state-of-the-art in a city known for its progressiveness and technological savvy.

New system helps deputies track metal theft

Systems matter in this article and for analysts everywhere. Read this article to see what I mean by that.

DHS to use controversial centers during political conventions

This article on fusion centers provides insight into some public mistrust of fusion centers.

Blog Talk Radio Show on Graffiti

Listen to today's Analysts' Corner Blog Talk Radio show on the topic of Graffiti Here are some resources related to the topic: Center for Problem Oriented Policing Graffiti Guide Preventing Graffiti Graffiti Hurts Minneapolis Preventing Graffiti Responding to incidents of graffiti: solving the problem

New link to show: https://www.leapodcasts.com/p/analysts-corner-podcast/

UC Berkeley - Teaching Library Internet Workshops

Thanks to NDIC's Frank Marsh for sending me this very relevant link.
UC Berkeley - Teaching Library Internet Workshops
Since analysts are essentially practical researchers, these tutorials are a valuable resource for improving work skills.

Homeland Security Affairs

Homeland Security Affairs, the Journal of the Naval Postgraduate School Center for Homeland Defense and Security, is a great resource for those of you interested in expanding your knowledge and insight regarding homeland security.

The Analyst's Style Manual

"The Mercyhurst College Institute for Intelligence Studies (MCIIS) has developed a style manual for analysts to assist student analysts with the many perplexing and complex rules to follow when producing written intelligence products."

Report on Disrupting Drug Tafficking

Cooperation with many Drug Transit Countries has Improved, but better Performance Reporting and Sustainability Plans are Needed
"Each year, criminal organizations transport hundreds of tons of illegal drugs from South America to the United States through a 6 million square mile "transit zone" including Central America, the Caribbean, the Gulf of Mexico, and the eastern Pacific Ocean. Since fiscal year 2003, the United States has provided over $950 million to support counternarcotics efforts in transit zone countries, which historically lacked the capacity to interdict drugs. GAO was asked to examine (1) how the United States has assisted transit zone countries in disrupting drug trafficking and (2) what factors have impeded these efforts. GAO analyzed relevant data, met with U.S. and foreign officials, and visited selected countries."

See the summary of this July 2008 US Government Accountability Report online.

Marysville: 40 swastikas scrawled on bales of hay

See this article on hate crime type graffiti in western Washington state. This Friday, at 9:30 AM EST, on Blog Talk Radio, I will be discussing graffiti problem solving initiatives with Dr. Pamela Beal.

Why Crime and Intelligence Analysis Matter

Listen to a conversation on Blog Talk radio featuring me, Deborah Osborne, and Lisa Palmieri, President of the International Association of Law Enforcement Intelligence Analysts.

Interested on appearing on Analysts' Corner on Blog Talk Radio to discuss issues related to crime and intelligence analysis? Email me at crmeanalyzer@gmail.com and we can explore the possibilities!

Blog Talk Radio

Listen to Blog Talk radio at 10 AM EST tomorrow, August 18th (later or on podcast/mp3 file. Analysts' Corner will be present a conversation with me, Deborah Osborne, and International Association of Law Enforcement Intelligence Analysts President Lisa Palmieri. We'll be discussing why crime and intelligence analysis matters.

New link to show: https://www.leapodcasts.com/p/analysts-corner-podcast/

CISC Publications

CISC Integrated Threat Assessment Methodology and Strategic Early Warning for Criminal Intelligence are interesting resources from Criminal Intelligence Services Canada reflecting progressive thinking.

The Baker Report: Strategic Response System has slowly revolutionized policing in Alexandria.

This article highlights "dynamic mapping technology" in policing in Alexandria, Virginia.

Remarks Prepared for Delivery By Attorney General Michael B. Mukasey at the Oregon Anti-Terrorism Conference and Training

Remarks Prepared for Delivery By Attorney General Michael B. Mukasey at the Oregon Anti-Terrorism Conference and Training

Knowledge Management Assessment for the Edmonton Police Service: Capturing, Sharing, Sustaining

Knowledge Management Assessment for the Edmonton Police Service: Capturing, Sharing, Sustaining, by Lee Weissling, Curtis Clarke, and Kirby Wright,in The Canadian Review of Policing Research (2005), discusses a topic important to the future of crime and intelligence analysis: knowledge management. Wikipedia defines knowledge management as "a range of practices used by organisations to identify, create, represent, distribute and enable adoption of what it knows, and how it knows it." Analysts are the knowledge workers of policing.

Here is one interesting resource for you to help you shift your thinking to the knowledge worker paradigm:
How to Think Like a Knowledge Worker

Information Sharing Among Canadian Police Departments: Trusting Individuals or Systems?

Information Sharing Among Canadian Police Departments: Trusting Individuals or Systems?
This article, by Marcel-Eugène LeBeuf Ph.D, appeared in the The Canadian Review of Policing Research (2005). Information sharing is crucial for quality crime and intelligence analysis and this valuable research article highlights key points on the topic that apply to policing beyond Canada.

Google Alerts and a Perspective

I've been blogging about crime and intelligence analysis in policing for over seven months now. Some of the materials I post come to my attention through Google Alerts. "Google Alerts are email updates of the latest relevant Google results (web, news, etc.) based on your choice of query or topic."

I have alerts for "crime analyst," "crime analysis," "intelligence analyst," "intelligence analysis," "intelligence led policing," a a few other phrases. Very rarely will anything related to policing come to me through an alert with the reference to "intelligence analysis" or "intelligence analyst."

I think this says something. Crime analyst" and "crime analysis" alerts almost always refer to policing while "intelligence analysis" or "intelligence analyst" almost NEVER refer to policing.

What do you think of that? Try it and see for yourself!

The NYPD Diaspora

Read The NYPD Diaspora: Former New York cops bring cutting-edge, effective policing to beleaguered communities in the Manhattan Institute City Journal.

Greenville Crime Analysis: Catalytic Converter Thefts

This alert is a nice summary of the crime and how to prevent it.

Geek squad will go after Tacoma crime

This is quite an interesting article about Tacoma's goal to decrease crime by 50% with analysis at the heart of it.

Community Policing Dispatch

This online publication is a monthly newsletter on Community Policing from the COPS Office.

Fusion Centers: Issues and Options for Congress

Here is a January 2008 study by the Congressional Research Service called Fusion Centers: Issues and Options for Congress.

Some other writings on fusion centers:
State Fusion Center Processes and Procedures: Best Practices and Recommendations
CRS: Mission creep at fusion centers
Sept 2007 A Summary of Fusion Centers: Core Issues and Options for Congress
Fusion Centers May Strengthen Emergency Management
ACLU Fusion Center Update
The Relationship between the Private Sector and Fusion Centers: Potential Causes for Concern and Realities
Chicago Fusion Center Gives Police New Criminal Investigation Tools
Reluctance to Share Information Hampers Counterterrorism Efforts
“The Way Forward With Fusion Centers: Challenges and Strategies for Change” (with video link)

You don't know MNJAC: Anti-terror fusion center grapples with security flaw, new privacy policy

This article highlights an important issue relevant to crime and intelligence analysis.

Rethinking the post-9/11 strategy

Are terrorists criminals? Read this The Cristian Science Monitor article and share your thoughts.

PRIVATE - ACADEMIC PARTNERSHIP IN INTELLIGENCE ANALYSIS TRAINING: THE SOUTH AFRICAN EXPERIENCE

I so agree with Dalene Duvanage's view:

"Seeing intelligence analysis as a broader decision support function, rather than a narrow secret state function, opens the possibility that it can be taught, applied and investigated in all areas where sense has to be made of a myriad conflicting signals. There is a dire need for people all over the world, especially those that work in critical areas, to know how to deal with information, analyse it, synthesise, interpret and then present it so that better informed decisions can be made in the shortest time frame possible."

Read more at this link.

Iowa’s intelligence fusion center ‘connects the dots’

This news article features Iowa's fusion center, which is truly one of the best in this country.

Two Research Jobs in Washington

These jobs may be of interest to analysts out there looking for a change!One position is with the Police Foundation; one position is with The Police Executive Research Forum. See details below.

Mid-level Research Associate, Police Foundation, Washington, DC

All ranks and specialties considered. Experience in a research environment preferred. Demonstrated track record of acquiring and/or managing projects, superior writing ability, ability to work well in a team-oriented environment, and interest in policing sought for mid-level full-time position. PhD in criminal justice, criminology, sociology, psychology, or closely related field with at least 3-5 years professional experience. Position is based in Washington, DC. Grant/project related travel anticipated to be 20%. Salary negotiable. Excellent benefits package including pension contribution, medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance.

Submit CV with cover letter to:

Karen L. Amendola, PhD
Chief Operating Officer
Division of Research, Evaluation, and Professional Services
POLICE FOUNDATION
1201 Connecticut Avenue, NW
Suite 200
Washington, DC 20036
kamendola@policefoundation.org
www.policefoundation.org

Application Close Date: 8/15/2008


Senior Associate, Management Services, PERF, Washington, DC

Senior Associate (Law Enforcement)�The Police Executive Research Forum seeks a self-directed law enforcement professional with experience working in a progressive law enforcement agency to fill the position of Senior Associate. The successful candidate will be a key member of a diverse team with responsibility for conducting management studies of law enforcement agencies, writing grant proposals, and securing project funding. Preference will be given to individuals with strong writing and word processing skills, law enforcement management experience, an advanced degree, and diverse law enforcement experience. The candidate should be available for frequent travel. Salary will be in the range of $80-100K, commensurate with experience.

PERF offers excellent benefits interesting, ever-changing work and bright, hard-working, entertaining colleagues. PERF is an equal opportunity employer.

We will start reviewing applications immediately and will continue to accept and review applications until position is filled.

Send letter of interest and resume to:

PERF
Attn: Elizabeth Sanberg
1120 Connecticut Ave. NW, Suite 930
Washington, DC 20036
Email: esanberg@policeforum.org

A City’s Police Force Now Doubts Terror Focus

This is a provocative article worth reading.

County, Arizona State jointly creating center to analyze local crime trends

County, Arizona State jointly creating center to analyze local crime trends

Crime Pattern ID: Open Air Drug Markets

Pattern: Open Air Drug Markets

Victims: crime against state, addicts, juveniles, neighborhood

Perpetrators: low-level drug dealers, may be connected to gangs and/or organized crime

Locations: intersections, corners and streets in urban areas, vacant houses

Times: vary by drugs - heroin more in am, crack in pm (in some areas of country)

Approach Methods: "consumers" know market times, drive to areas to buy drugs, often come from suburbs into city to pick up the drugs

Weapons: dealers often are armed or have guns stashed nearby

Tools: scales, baggies, other wrapping, drug cutting materials and tools

Vehicles/Transportation Routes: drug trafficking routes bring street level drugs to low-level dealers from a variety of sources depending on drug and location

Stolen Goods: open air drug markets are associated with thefts of drugs and drug money, "carjackings" which involve "victims" trading use of their vehicle for drugs and then vehicle is not returned

Method: street level dealers obtain drugs to sell from a higher level of drug distributors which they may or may not be involved with

Motive: profit, street dealers may also have addiction problem

Query Terms: query drug calls/complaints along with drug charges, drug names

Suggestions: use problem oriented policing techniques to study markets and develop/assess strategies to reduce drug markets and their impact

Resources:

COPS Problem-Specific Guide Drug Dealing in Open-Air Markets

Open-Air Drug Dealing in Cincinnati, Ohio: Executive Summary and Final Recommendations

Choosing the best hypotheses

Choosing the best hypotheses is from a Blog for Decision Makers and looks like a good resource for analysts who want to improve their thinking skills and understanding of the decision-maker and the process of making decisions.

Crime Pattern ID: Street Prostitution

Pattern: Street Prostitution 

Victims: crime against state, juveniles, drug addicts, johns, society, neighborhood 

Perpetrators: prostitutes and their pimps 

Locations:run down neighborhoods, neighborhoods that attract unattached males, areas with traffic patterns conducive to street prostitution business, near hotels and convention centers, industrial areas (see problem guide below in resource section) 

Times: may peak at certain times (factory shifts end, bars close, etc.)but can occur any time of day 

Approach Methods: vary, may be blatant, may be subtle 

Vehicles/Transportation Routes: street prostitution may occur based on transportation routes, highway exits, truck stops, etc - consider when studying problem 

 

Methods: prostitutes solicit johns on the street, may be on decline and have STD, may be addicts, may be abused by pimp and/or johns (violence), may have sex openly thus affecting neighborhood quality of life, may draw other crime to area (robbery, rape) 

Motives: profit, need for drugs, power

Query Terms: prostitute, john, call girl, solicit, sexual act, the code/penal laws which classifies prostitution violations in your jurisdiction 

Suggestions: street prostitution is often considered a quality of life issue and is best addresses in problem analysis for problem solving policing to reduce the problem, analyze in this manner, you may use call data to not complaints buy citizens combined with arrest data - note that this will still not give you enough data so work with officers to assess problem areas, track repeat offenders 

Resources:

COPS Problem-Specific Guide Street Prostitution 2nd Edition 

An Empirical Analysis of Street-Level Prostitution 

Street Prostitution

New study on graffiti, crime correlation

A Metro prof and his students aim to discover whether graffiti and crime correlate in Denver.

National Drug Intelligence Center Publications

See the most recent National Drug Intelligence Center Publications at this link.

Crime Analyst - City of Campbell River

This job in British Columbia sounds like someone's dream! "Enrich your lifestyle working in Campbell River - the “eco-adventure” center for North Vancouver Island. Features include spectacular scenery, wildlife, world class kayaking, skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, hiking, mountain climbing, golf, and fishing. Campbell River also offers a thriving and critically acclaimed arts and cultural community."

Crime Analysis Unit Developer Kit

It would be interesting to know how many of you have used resources from the Crime Analysis Unit Developer Kit and, if so, what you thought of them...

The Art of Observation

This article, The Art of Observation, was brought to my attention by Frank Marsh of the NDIC. It is a must-read in my opinion, as an example of thinking outside the box, imagination, using multidisciplinary approaches to improve one's work, and innovation.

Crime Pattern ID: Theft of Recreational Vehicles

Pattern: Theft of Recreational Vehicles (motorcycles, ATVs, snowmobiles, trailers, watercraft, etc)

Victims:owners of such vehicles

Perpetrators:crime of opportunity at times, theft rings sometimes

Locations/Times/Entry Methods/Tools/Vehicles and Transportation Routes: varies

Stolen Goods: recreational vehicles

Method: usually taken from garages/storage areas

Motive: profit, less often for vehicle to use

Query Terms: atv, all terrain vehicle, ohv, off highway vehicles, dirt bike, RV, motor home, camper, motorcycle, snowmobile, jet ski, boat, canoe, kayak, airplane, plane, aircraft, glider, brand names of these vehicles, trailer 

Suggestions: track all these crimes to find patterns/series, since this may be a cross-jurisdictional issue, communicate with other LE agencies in your region, look for theft rings, know who your previous offenders are for this type of crime

Resources:

Crime Free RV Parks

Recreational and Motor Vehicle Use in Desert Areas

Crime Pattern ID: Theft from Churches

Pattern: Theft from Churches 

Victims: churches and their members

Perpetrators: often local thieves, sometimes professionals

Locations: outside of church in the case of stealing gutters, roofing, etc., inside of church in the case of stealing art, valuables, sound system equipment, unattended purses

Times: when church is unattended or valuables are left unattended

Entry/Approach Methods and Tools: varies depending on crime

Vehicles/Transportation Routes: may use trucks, vans to remove large items, may be on foot for smaller items

Stolen Goods: metals, collectibles, art, sound system equipment/musical instruments, personal belongings

Method: suspects may case church to find what it is they want to steal

Motive: profit - sometimes very high profit, sometimes minor, as in an addict stealing purses

Query Terms: sound system, amplifier, microphone, copper, chalice, antique, art, roof, gutter, lead, flashing, musical instruments

Suggestions: track these crimes to uncover patterns, series, know where all your churches are, track offenders who have committed crimes of this type in the past

Resources:

PROTECTING AGAINST THEFT IN ALL AREAS OF YOUR CHURCH

Deterring theft and vandalism

Crime Prevention for Churches

Crime Pattern ID: Construction Site Thefts and Vandalism

Pattern: Construction Site Thefts and Vandalism

Victims: builders, renovators, heavy equipment owners, home owners, businesses

Perpetrators: sometimes crimes of opportunity, sometimes local theft rings, sometimes organized crime, addicts, juveniles, repeat offenders

Locations: construction sites

Times: most often after work day ends and on weekends

Entry/Approach Methods: unsecured sites most vulnerable, lack of security adds to risk

Tools: often need no tools

Vehicles/Transportation Routes: varies

Stolen Goods: tools most common, any building materials, metal, appliances, equipment

Method: varies - vandalism may be purposeful by juveniles and unrelated to theft attempts, theft methods vary - read resources below for more information

Motive: profit - it's estimated that construction theft in the US = 1 Billion $$

Query Terms: construction, site, building, tools, crane, bulldozer, metal, copper, coils, pallet, appliances, stove, refrigerator, dishwasher, furnace, hot water tank

Suggestions: track all thefts of these types to find patterns and series - patterns in what is stolen, pattern in victims (certain companies not securing sites), known offenders - may repeat these crimes

Resources:

Reducing Theft at Construction Sites: A Lesson from a Problem-Oriented Project

Theft of Construction Plant and Equipment

Controlling Theft and Vandalism at Construction Sites

Crime Pattern ID: Police Impersonation

Pattern: Police Impersonation

Victims: anyone

Perpetrators: criminals who impersonate police to gain access to victims and/or goods

Locations/Times: anywhere, anytime

Entry/Approach Methods: uses false/imitation police equipment/behavior to approach victim

Weapons: may have weapons

Tools: fake badge, fake or stolen uniform, fake decals, fake car lights

Vehicles/Transportation Routes: can be police-like vehicle, suspect may pull people over on highway using imitation of police behavior/equipment

Stolen Goods: varies, sometimes nothing is stolen

Method: suspect pretends to be an officer and may have fake identifiers and equipment, usually one suspect, may be multiple suspects in more violent/profitable schemes

Motive: police wannabes, persons using ruse to commit serious crimes and/or minor crimes, possible crimes include theft, rape, assault, kidnapping

Query Terms: officer, badge, impersonate, fake, false, pretend

Suggestions: persons impersonating officers may repeat this behavior, track every instance and look for serial patterns, track who has a history of this crime in your jurisdiction and their MOs

Resources:

Police impersonation (Wikipedia)

Beware of Con Artists Impersonating Police - AARP

Tips for Protecting You from Law Enforcement Impersonators

Crime Pattern ID: Pickpocketing

 

 Video from YouTube: Bob Arno, world's fastest-fingered pickpocket

Pattern: Pickpocketing

Victims: persons in crowded areas/heavily trafficked areas , unsuspecting persons, tourists

Perpetrators: usually involves skill perpetrator, in urban and tourist areas may be organized ring 

Locations: streets, public transportation, tourist areas

Times: any time

Entry/Approach Methods: skilled pickpocket sometimes approaches without appearing to interact with victim and disappears quickly, sometimes bumps victim, some use distraction with/without another person stealing wallet/valuables

Stolen Goods: wallet, cash, credit cards, jewelry, other valuables

Method: many methods including sleight of hand, speed, misdirection, feigned providing or requiring assistance, may happen in crowded area where body contact would not be unusual and so goes unnoticed, may be professionals

Motive: quick cash, profit

Query Terms: pocket, picked, pickpocket, wallet, bump, distract, press, reach

Suggestions: track all pickpocketing in your jurisdiction, know who your chronic offenders are and educate officers and community about them, develop prevention awareness products for community

Resources:

Pickpocketing (Wikipedia)

Pocketology 101 (How Pickpockets Work)

Theft and Pickpocket Prevention

Hot Wheels: Do You Know Where Your Car Is?

The National Insurance Crime Bureau has links to the top ten vehicle types stolen in each US state at its website. Its 2007 Hot Wheels report was just released.

Putting the brain back into intelligence

Putting the brain back into intelligence is an article that focuses on national security intelligence but definitely applies to crime and intelligence analysis in policing and is worth reading.

Springfield Police Crime Prevention Tips Index

Springfield Police Crime Prevention Tips Index is a useful resource I found this morning...

Crime Pattern ID: Purse Snatching

Pattern: Purse Snatching (robbery)

Victims: primarily females of any age

Perpetrators: mostly males but sometimes females, often lone criminals but also work in groups

Locations: primarily streets, sometimes in other public places 

Times: any time, most often when victim is alone without other observers nearby

Approach Methods: may come from behind, pay use weapon, may knock victim to ground

Weapons: may use a weapon or threat of weapon

Tools: may cut purse straps

Vehicles/Transportation Routes: may target victims waiting at bus stops, train stations, on routes to bank or shopping

Stolen Goods: purse, contents of wallet, cash, credit cards

Method: a crime of opportunity, serial purse snatchers may use same MO

Motive: quick cash/profit, sometimes to feed drug habit

Query Terms: purse, bag, knapsack, handbag, strap

Suggestions: track all incidents of purse snatching robberies as these tend to be serial crimes, track all persons arrested for these crimes in case a series emerges where they are the perpetrators

Resources:

Purse-Snatching Prevention

HOW TO GUARD AGAINST PURSE SNATCHERS 

Scots crime rate falls 6 per cent

This news article identifies crime analysis as an asset in crime reduction.

Crime Pattern ID: Shootings

Pattern: Shootings (intentional)

Victims: individuals who are shot at by persons guns, may be hit and injured or killed, may not be injured yet these crimes without injury should be tracked systematically as well

Perpetrators: gangs, acquaintances, sometimes random, sometimes innocent victim in the way of intended target

Locations: urban areas more of a problem

Times: varies, tends to occur at night

Entry/Approach Methods: varies, drive-by shootings one method, shooting in schools and malls currently a public concern

Weapons: guns of all sorts, sometimes illegal, defaced, sawed-off, assault rifles, pistols

Vehicles/Transportation Routes: some shootings involve issues of gang territory 

Method: varies in approach, gun-type and intention

Motive: varies, gang revenge, shooting in commission of another crime such as robbery, individual revenge for perceived injury, power, to enhance one's criminal reputation (don't mess with me), to earn respect from other criminals, argument, peer pressure

Query Terms: shot, shoot, shots, fire, fired, casings, bullet, rounds, gunfire, gunshot

Suggestions: systematically track ALL incidents of shots actually fired (be clear in defining what you are tracking) including at persons, persons hit by gun shot, vehicles shot, building shot, etc - look for patterns in shots fired and gun-related 91l calls as well but keep this data separate - actual known shootings and calls are different data sets, also track victims of gunshots to see if they are gang members and/or have criminal records - work with other intelligence to define problems

(Note that shootings with bb guns and paintballs are a separate problem and should be tracked as well)

Resources:

Preventing Gang Violence and Building Communities Where Young People Thrive

Preventing School Shootings

Gun Deaths in Rural and Urban Settings: Recommendations for Prevention

Cocaine countries clarified

The article Cocaine countries clarified discusses a new form of analysis to determine the origins of cocaine to help intelligence analysis efforts in the future.

Environmental Criminology and Crime Analysis

A new book:

Crime Pattern ID: Gun Trafficking

 Pattern: Gun Trafficking

Victims: gun sellers, community, persons shot

Perpetrators: organized crime, individuals seeking profit 

Locations: guns moved from low-regulated states to higher regulate states

Weapons:guns

Vehicles/Transportation Routes: movement from low-regulated to high regulated states is a common pattern 

Stolen Goods: sometimes guns are stolen, sometimes they are purchased

Method: obtaining, transporting and selling illegal guns, guns shows and corrupt gun dealers are sources

Motive: mainly profit, some guns may be trafficked to be used in organized criminal activity

Query Terms: defaced, out of state, gun, rifle, pistol (names of types of guns), dealer, straw purchase

Suggestions: track all reports of stolen guns in your jurisdiction, analyze recovered gun data looking for guns with out-of-state origins, analyze gun trace data, network with ATF

Resources:

Strategies for Disrupting Illegal Firearm Markets: A Case Study of Los Angeles

Policies to prevent firearm trafficking

Prevent Gun Trafficking

Crime Pattern ID: Cemeteries

Pattern: Crimes in Cemeteries (vandalism and theft)

Victims: families, cemeteries

Perpetrators: youths, thieves targeting copper/metal or art

Locations: cemetery

Times: may occur on days when fewest visitors are at cemeteries

Entry/Approach Methods: may enter through gate or climb fences

Tools: graffiti tools, burglary tools

Vehicles/Transportation Routes: may be on foot or in vehicles

Stolen Goods: urns, vases stained glass, headstones etc.

Method: suspects may enter cemeteries from out-of-sight areas, youths may topple gravestones or vandalize graves, on rare occasions graves may be desecrated (dug up), theft of valuable metals and decorations such as urns, stained glass, vases for profit 

Motive: thrill for youths, profit for thieves

Query Terms: cemetery, urn, grave, mausoleum, vase, stained glass, bronze, copper, headstone, marker

Suggestions: track these crimes and know where your cemeteries are located, look for crossjurisdictional patterns of theft

Resources:

Vandalism in Cemeteries

What Motivates Cemetery Vandalism?

Crime Pattern ID: Theft/Smuggling of Cigarettes

Pattern: Theft/Smuggling of Cigarettes

Victims: businesses, tax authorities

Perpetrators: those wanting to make quick profit from selling cigarettes, has been linked to funding terrorism and organized crime

Locations: cigarettes are stolen in many areas (no limits to that), smuggling cigarettes into high-taxed states is most profitable

Tools: may have counterfeit tax stamps

Vehicles/Transportation Routes: interstate using large trailers

Stolen Goods: cigarettes

Method: varies, read resources below

Motive: profit for any reason - can make over a million on one truckload of cigarettes

Query Terms: cigarette, carton, case, tax stamp, name brands of cigarettes

Suggestions: look for high volume thefts of cigarettes in your data, track ALL large thefts of cigarettes (more than an individual could smoke), look for patterns and indicators of organized theft rings

Resources:

THE GLOBAL ILLICIT TRADE IN TOBACCO: A THREAT TO NATIONAL SECURITY

Fact Sheet - Tobacco Enforcement

Putting crime on the map

Putting crime on the map
Web sites help meet the public's growing demand for crime data
This is an important trend to note. Analysts must develop more sophisticated GIS skills and use them to become better analysts as crime mapping using pin maps moves to the private sector...

Graduates revive intelligence role for Coast Guard

The trend in this article is a positive sign!

Crime Pattern ID: Exotic Animal Trafficking

Pattern: Exotic Animals Trafficking

Victims: exotic animals and their owners/habitats

Perpetrators: organized crime as well as individuals, more extensive than weapons trafficking

Locations: exports from Africa and the Far East, may happen anywhere - your norm may be exotic somewhere else in the world

Times/Entry/Approach Methods/Weapons/Tools: vary - see Resources below

Vehicles/Transportation Routes: global problem with local indicators, US major destination for animals

Stolen Goods: exotic animals/animal parts, sometimes threatened and/or endangered species

Method: vary - see Resources below

Motive: profit, desire for animals or animal parts (fur, bones, etc)

Query Terms: birds, macaw, parrot, lizard, snake, bear, tiger, monkey, hedgehog, prairie dogs, names of specific animals, animal parts, hide, skin, bone, coral, conch, elephant, tusk, horn, frog, beetle, insect, iguana, cougar

Suggestions: be aware of indicators of this type of problem and query your reports on a regular basis to see if there are any indicators, stolen animals or reports including animals, communicate cross-jurisdictionally to uncover possible wide regional trends

Resources:

Exotic pet trade, explained

Illegal Wildlife Trade

Crime analyst helps find patterns of criminals to prevent violence

Here's a nice article about a crime analyst in Oklahoma City.

Fusion Center Trifold Pamphlet

This pamphlet summarized the fusion center concept. It is from the National Criminal Intelligence Resource Center.

American Murder Mystery

This is an interesting and relevant article from The Atlantic magazine.

Crime Pattern ID: Parking Lot/Ramp Crimes

"Parking lots and decks are the scene of more crimes leading to a lawsuit than any other corporate setting. A respected litigation analysis firm estimates that 38% of robberies and 17% of sexual assaults on American workers occur while walking to or from their parked cars." from Protecting Against Parking Lot Crime

Pattern: Parking Lot/Ramp Crimes (including vandalism, theft, purse snatching, robbery, carjacking and abductions)

Victims: persons using parking facilities and their vehicles

Perpetrators: varies by crime but mainly a crime of opportunity

Locations: parking lots/ramps/facilities - often focused on particular lots that are poorly designed for safety

Times,Entry Methods/Approach Methods,Weapons,Tools,Vehicles/Transportation Routes, Stolen Goods, Method, Motive: ALL VARY BY CRIME

Query Terms: parking, lot, ramp, space

Suggestions: find your crime hot spots and have officers work with security to target harden problem lots/ramps, make certain you know the addresses of all your lots/ramps and that officers are consistent with reporting crimes at proper locations, when assessing problems of theft or vandalism make sure you figure the ratio of vehicles to parking spaces to determine severity of problem, pay attention to any serious violent crime patterns in lots/ramps and look for series related to lots/ramps

Resources:

NIJ's Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design in Parking Facilities

7 Important Commercial Parking Lot Security Tips

5 Parking Lot Safety Tips

5 Parking Lot Safety Tips

GIS: Cops Favor New Kind of Plotting

Although most of us know about GIS, this article is interesting nevertheless - it features a GIS/analysis success story from Toronto..

Aluminum to hit record highs as energy costs climb

Aluminum is a likely target for thieves if this article is correct....

LOST AMONG THE DATA

This is a thought-provoking article sent to me by Frank Marsh, from NDIC. It won't be news to analysts but it is worth reading.

Car break-ins lead to bigger thefts

A crime analysis unit has identified a prpblem in this article... The RCMP also advise the public a bout the problem at Surrey - Crime Hotsheet - Residential Garage Break and Enters.

Just Like The CBS Drama "NUMB3ERS": Police Use Math to Crack The Case

Just Like The CBS Drama "NUMB3ERS": Police Use Math to Crack The Case - this article may exaggerate just a bit but crime analysis makes the news again, which is a good thing....

Wyoming Army Guard intel cracks gang code

This is a very nice article about an analyst's work.

Crime Pattern ID: Elevators/Stairwells

Pattern: Elevators/Stairwells (robbery, sexual assault) 

Victims: those using elevators/stairwells 

Perpetrators: persons who use opportunity to commit a crime 

Locations: more often in hotels, schools, office buildings 

Times: less busy times for building 

Entry/Approach Methods: suspect sometimes hides and attacks, may act as if he/she belongs in environment and then attack when alone with victim or victim unaware 

Weapons: varies by criminal 

Vehicles/Transportation Routes: must flee on foot out of building, may know routes 

Stolen Goods: varies 

Method: suspect may get in elevator with victim or may be waiting in elevator for victim - same with stairs 

Motive: power, valuables 

Query Terms: elevator, stairs, stairway, stairwell, hall, hallway lurk, hide, hiding, lurking 

Suggestions: track these crimes as they may help you identify a crime series by MO 

Resources: 

https://www.ojp.gov/pdffiles/cptedpkg.pdf