IMPD says it began seriously analyzing violent crime and property crime data several years ago to better identify hot spots to increase patrols.
INDIANAPOLIS — The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department said it is increasing aggressive patrols in areas across the city when and where data analysis shows crime is occurring.
IMPD says it began seriously analyzing violent crime and property crime data several years ago to better identify hot spots where patrols should be increased. Now, by hiring more data analysts, the department can refine its so-called data-driven proactive policing.
“We’ve been able to differentiate between days and hours to some extent, which we haven’t really been able to do before,” IMPD Deputy Chief Michael Worley said. It’s really about when we put our resources into that area and focusing on when we need to be there. ”
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When officers are not on the run, they are asked to patrol the area on specific days and times when crime is high in the area.
“Ideally, officers would have discretionary time and they would go to a particular area at a time of day when they would like them to be there. They could walk or drive through the area. I’m sitting there with the lights on,” Worley said. In some cases, it’s turned on just to make sure everyone can see where they are. ”
Jessica Marshall is co-chair of the Community Resource District Council for IMPD’s Southeast District. The organization helps people connect with police officers in their neighborhoods.
“If we can see IMPD’s proactive approach, community members know that there is a collaborative approach and that they are there to proactively deter crime rather than just being passive and showing up after the fact. “You’ll be able to understand,” Marshall said.
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IMPD does not specify target areas, but says the effort is citywide.
“Hopefully, we’ll see some reduction in crime in these areas. When we’re in those areas, we measure the time we’re there. And the goal is to see crime go away. It’s cod,” he said. If there is a decline within these areas, re-evaluate to determine where you need to proceed. ”
Worley said crime data and patrol effectiveness are re-evaluated every three to four months.
