The Jill Dando Institute and Northgate put crime on the map

The University College London Jill Dando Institute of Crime Science and Northgate Information Solutions have joined forces to develop and produce an innovative education tool on GIS and crime mapping, the organisations announced this month.

Targeted at every police force in the UK and Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships (CDRPs), Northgate has already used the tool successfully in a series of one-day interactive seminars. The seminars are aimed at developing analysts’ skills in crime mapping, and include theory and its application to the business of policing and community safety.

Separately, working in partnership with the Home Office, Northgate has made available online the 2006 Basic Command Unit (BCU) and CDRP boundary data for England and Wales to enable users to update their GIS and mapping systems.

Spencer Chainey, Director of GIS at the Jill Dando Institute, said: “Crime mapping is playing an increasing role in policing, crime reduction and community safety. But what has been lacking is some of the theory that helps put GIS training into a better context. We are delighted to work with Northgate on the development of this education tool. We hope that as a result the geographical analysis of crime is integrated more into intelligence development and decision-making – employed correctly it can enable the police and their community safety partners to make a real difference on the ground through enhanced performance.”

Dave Meaden, Managing Director of Northgate Public Services, added: “We are committed to working in collaboration with trusted organisations such as the Institute to enhance skills and to develop practical methods to help the frontline in their battle against crime. Our seminars showcase the expertise of the Jill Dando Institute as well as sharing our own knowledge of GIS and crime mapping. These tools are increasingly being used to improve performance through enabling police officers to take action based on accurate information. They provide much-needed reassurance to the communities they serve.”

For further information on how forces can participate in the one-day interactive seminars, contact Lea Martin on 0115 921 0271 or by email at lea.martin@northgate-is.com.