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Transcript
Riverbend City: Crime Analyst in Action
Introduction
Andrea Swenson and Chief Edwards are working together on a new data analysis project.
This week, review their roles within the Riverbend City police department.
Throughout this course, you’ll watch Andrea work through the steps of the research process, which include:
Formulating a problem statement
Collecting data
Understanding data quality and validity
Sharing and discussing the findings to interpret and communicate the research report
In the next chapter of Andrea’s story, you’ll watch as she works through the problem statement and data collection for a specific
assignment. You’ll see how Andrea…
Uses data from multiple sources
Sources data from ethical and well-designed research
Writes effective analysis reports
Never a dull moment in the life of a Riverbend City crime analyst!
Andrea Swenson, Crime Analyst
Andrea Swenson has always wanted to work in law enforcement, but she had no desire to be a sworn officer. Andrea is fascinated
with numbers, data, charts, and graphics and has excellent attention to detail. Andrea identifies patterns as they emerge and
focuses on crime trends, patterns, and hot spots in the jurisdiction.
Education: Bachelors in Criminal Justice
Additional certifications/special training: none
Roles interact with most often: patrol and command staff
As a crime analyst, what concerns you most about crime in Riverbend City?
To do a good job as an analyst, I keep emotion or personal opinions out of the job. What I will say is that rapid changes in crime
patterns are a challenge. There’s a ripple affect most people would realize, like staff and resource changes… Since I track this
information, I’m usually the first one to spot a trend and predict how it might affect the department if it continues.
What do you like most about your job?
What I do is gather, analyze, and interpret data on crime patterns and trends. I help the department see the big picture so they can
strategize how to address crime trends. What I like most is knowing that the information I provide is indispensable to how the
department deploys its people and resources. I like playing an important part in the overall strategy.
What’s most challenging?
I’m very comfortable dealing with data and numbers—that’s one of the main reasons I got into this field. The challenge is that
because this information is so important, there’s pressure to get it right—both the reporting and the interpreting. This information
affects the lives of real people.
What’s a typical day at work like?
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There’s never a dull moment. Reviewing recent and historical crime data, and creating and maintaining reports is the basis of what
I do—including initiating research and locating information sources. I assist officers, sergeants, and other supervisors with the data
they need to schedule and direct patrol. I problem-solve as needed for specific investigations to apprehend criminals. And at times,
I interact with community groups, provide information for press releases, and work with crime analysts from other law enforcement
agencies.
What advice would you give to someone choosing this career?
You’ve got to be good with numbers, computers, and detail! It’s primarily a desk job, but there’s also a lot of interaction with people.
Glen Edwards, Police Chief
Glen Edwards has been police chief in Riverbend City for four years. He began his career as a cop working patrol, and soon
discovered that both performance and education were important for promotion. He finished his bachelor’s at night while working
patrol, and then earned his master’s degree as sergeant, where his skills as a leader were honed and recognized. Glen climbed the
ranks to deputy chief. When the former chief retired, Glen was offered the Chief position.
Education: Bachelors in Criminal Justice. Master’s in Public Administration
Additional certifications/special training: FBI National Academy
Roles interact with most often: command staff, union attorneys, city hall, media, community members
As Police Chief of Riverbend City, what keeps you up at night?
What concerns me most is the safety and welfare of each individual in this city. When the crime rate’s up, you better believe it
matters to me. Yeah, and it does keep me up at night. This job is 24/7 anyway. I never stop thinking about it, and in light of the what
happened at the prison, it’s very concerning. A lot of things need to change. It’s a complex system, and it’s a process. You can’t just
say “tougher sentencing guidelines.” Everything’s related. You pull one thread, and something else gives.
What do you like most about your job?
There’s so much I like about the job—I wouldn’t trade it for the world. Riverbend City has its problems—don’t get me wrong! But
I’ve been here long enough, and know the people so well… It’s just very gratifying to be able to support officers in their work and to
see them actually make the community safer. So I’d say, working with officers, and working with community groups.
What’s most challenging?
Honestly? I’d have to say the politics, the media, and balancing everyone’s different priorities is most challenging. As a police chief,
you get pressure from politicians and the media. Make one little mistake—as humans do—and they’re all over it! We keep the best
interest of the community at the fore of our decision-making process. But at the same time, our decisions need to promote the
mission, vision, and values of the department.
Why did you get into this career?
I went from patrol to sergeant, and then the opportunity arose for police chief. I knew I wanted a leadership position in the force. I
always did my best, and those above me saw and appreciated my work. So I’m lucky to be able to contribute at a higher level, as a
leader. Which comes with the opportunity to make changes, to make policing as effective as it can be in this town. Crime is up, and
there are complex reasons for that. Ultimately, the buck stops with me, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
What advice would you give to someone choosing this career?
As always, keep your record clean. And not only keep it clean, but make it as stellar as you can make it. That includes making
smart decisions for your life, like being careful how you use social media. Further your education as much as you can, and get as
much experience as you can in different divisions. Look for opportunities to build your leadership skills—in both volunteer and
professional realms. Work hard, and you will be recognized.
What’s the number one skill required for this job?
Your ability to balance competing priorities. You have a lot of balls in the air at any given time, and you got to keep track of ‘em.
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Problem Statement and Data Collection
Andrea Swenson, crime analyst for the Riverbend City police department, was just assigned a new project. Police Chief Glen
Edwards has requested that she collect data on the crime rate for home invasion burglaries in Riverbend City. Neighborhood
leaders are pushing for more street patrols, so the City Council is working with Chief Edwards to see if crime data will support
funding for additional patrols.
To drive her research, Andrea formulates the problem statement:
Problem Statement: Riverbend city home invasion crimes rates have increased and indicate the need to fund
additional street patrols.
To get started, Andrea takes a look at national web sites for crime statistics data.
Bureau of Justice Statistics (http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/ )
The FBI Federal Bureau of Investigation property crime data (https://www.fbi.gov/about-us/cjis/ucr/crime-in-theu.s/2012/crime-in-the-u.s.-2012/property-crime/property-crime)
www.fbi.gov (http://www.fbi.gov)
The overall property crime rate is trending downward nationally over a five-year period. This doesn’t support the case to fund
additional patrols in the city. Andrea anticipates that some city council members will mention this trend.
Property Crime Offense Figure
Five-Year Trend, 2009-2013
2009: 9,310,000
2010: 9,150,000
2011: 9,050,000
2012: 9,020,000
2013: 8,650,000
Time for a closer look at the national data to make sure it’s sound. What does the data say about the problem statement, and does
the data support the problem statement? These are foundational questions. Andrea’s source for this information is the FBI, so she
knows the data she’s looking at is sound and ethical. However, the property crimes data trend is too broad to support her problem
statement because Andrea is focused on home invasion burglaries.
The next question on Andrea’s mind is data specific to the crime of burglary. She sees that the state burglary rate decreased more
than it did on the national level, according to the FBI crime statistics. Again, this doesn’t provide support for her case to request
funding for additional patrols.
Andrea needs to dig deeper.
Area
United States Total
Year
Population
Number
Rate per 100,000
2012
313,873,685
2,109,932
672.2
2013
316,128,839
1,928,465
610.0
-8.6
-9.3
25,378
471.7
Percent Change
State
Burglary
2012
5,379,646
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Area
Year
Population
2013
5,420,380
Percent Change
Burglary
Number
Rate per 100,000
22,713
419.0
-10.5
-11.2
What about checking state crime statistics to get data for the districts protected by local law enforcement in her state?
Andrea looks at state level property crime statistics and notes the burglary rate and discovers the burglary rate in her state has
dropped slightly over the past five years. Yet again, this provides no support for her case to request funding for additional patrols in
Riverbend City!
Andrea needs to conduct more research.
Burglaries by Location 2010-2014
Year
Residence
Non-Residence
2010
16421
7526
2011
17206
7947
2012
17179
7650
2013
15464
7036
2014
13818
6674
The trail leads to a comparison between the crime index for rural areas and municipalities in her state. Andrea discovers the crime
index for municipalities is much higher than the rural areas in her state. This supports her problem statement and the city council’s
request for funding more patrols because Riverbend City’s police department is the largest municipal law enforcement agency in
the state.
Population Group
Part 1
(Index)
Crimes
%
Index
Crimes
Cleared
Murder
Rape
Group II
1,603
26%
1
1 Agency
(100,000-250,000)
Population: 109,325
Rate Per 100,000
1,466
Group III
4,130
5 Agencies
(50,000-100,000)
Population: 327,119
Rate Per 100,100
1263
Group IV
5,167
25%
26%
Larceny
Motor
Vehicle
Theft
Arson
Human
trafficking
95
1,366
73
1
0
42.1
86.9
1,249.5
66.8
0.9
0
12
132
754
2,901
229
18
0
24.5
3.7
40.4
230.5
886.8
70.0
5.5
0
140
24
217
1,097
3,331
341
16
0
Robbery
Aggravated
Assault
Burglary
13
8
46
0.9
11.9
7.3
4
80
1.2
1
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Population Group
Transcript
Part 1
(Index)
Crimes
10 Agencies
(25,000-50,000)
Population: 345,491
Rate Per 100,000
1,496
Group V
5,683
33 Agencies
(10,000-25,000)
Population: 560,608
Rate Per 100,000
1014
Group VI & VII
2,426
38 Agencies
(Under 10,000)
Population: 238,817
Rate Per 100,000
1016
Total
19,009
87 Agencies
Population:1,581,360
Rate Per 100,000
1202.0
%
Index
Crimes
Cleared
31%
28%
27%
Robbery
0.3
40.5
6.9
62.8
317.5
964.1
98.7
4.6
0
5
122
13
316
1,421
3,405
378
22
1
0.9
21.8
2.3
56.4
253.5
607.4
67.4
3.9
0.1
2
56
8
253
618
1,341
140
8
0
0.8
23.4
3.3
105.9
258.8
561.5
58.6
3.3
0
13
411
65
964
3,985
12,344
1,161
65
1
0.8
26.0
4.1
61.0
252.0
780.6
73.4
4.1
0.1
Population Group
Murder
Rape
Group I
35,809
18%
42
2 Agencies
(Over 250,000)
Population: 690,896
Rate Per 100,000
5183
Group II
2,433
1 Agency
(100,000-250,000)
Population: 109,675
Rate Per 100,100
2218
Group III
26,321
15 Agencies
(50,000-100,000)
Population: 992,738
Rate Per 100,000
2,651
Group IV
17,172
16 Agencies
(25,000-50,000)
Population: 563,928
Rate Per 100,000
3,045
Group V
22,708
34%
32%
Human
trafficking
Rape
%
Index
Crimes
Cleared
35%
Arson
Murder
Part 1
(Index)
Crimes
35%
Larceny
Motor
Vehicle
Theft
Aggravated
Assault
Burglary
Larceny
Motor
Vehicle
Theft
Arson
Human
trafficking
6,442
19,525
3,539
236
25
424.1
932.4
2,826.0
512.2
34.2
3.6
52
105
338
1,774
110
6
0
41.9
47.4
95.7
308.2
1,617.5
100.3
5.5
0
6
255
444
774
3,056
20,805
908
73
3
0.6
25.7
44.7
78.0
307.8
2,095.7
91.5
7.4
0.3
7
173
242
486
2,207
13,143
868
46
4
1.2
30.7
42.9
86.2
391.4
2,330.6
153.9
8.2
0.7
8
334
233
900
2,886
17,295
956
96
1
Robbery
Aggravated
Assault
Burglary
570
2,525
2,930
6.1
82.5
365.5
2
46
1.8
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Population Group
Transcript
Part 1
(Index)
Crimes
53 Agencies
(10,000-25,000)
Population: 915,556
Rate Per 100,000
2,480
Group VI & VII
13,705
130 Agencies
(Under 10,000)
Population: 617,834
Rate Per 100,000
2218
Total
118,185
217 Agencies
Population:3,890,627
Rate Per 100,000
3,037.7
%
Index
Crimes
Cleared
38%
29%
Larceny
Motor
Vehicle
Theft
Arson
Human
trafficking
Murder
Rape
Robbery
Aggravated
Assault
0.9
36.5
25.4
98.3
315.2
1,889.0
104.4
10.5
0.1
4
191
84
448
1,578
10,428
658
314
4
0.6
30.9
13.6
72.5
255.4
1,687.80
106.5
50.8
0.6
69
1,569
3,580
5,643
16,507
82,970
7,039
771
37
1.8
40.3
92.0
145.0
424.3
2,132.6
180.9
19.8
1.0
Burglary
Next, Andrea looks at city crime statistics to determine where additional patrols may be most beneficial. She decides to look at
crime rates by precinct, and discovers the Fifth Precinct has a high rate of burglary.
When you return in another unit to view the next segment of the scenario, you will observe Andrea work though
data quality and validity for her project.
Data Quality/Validity
Anticipating that the City Council will ask about residents’ perceptions versus actual data, Andrea sees she’ll need
additional data from Riverbend residents.
Is there a direct relationship between the actual crime rate and the perceived crime rate of the residents in the city’s five precincts?
She decides to gather self-reported data on home invasions.
To do this, Andrea designs a survey to gather self-reported data from residents using both open-ended and closed-ended
questions. Using a team of interns and volunteers, Andrea leads multiple surveys using social media, mail, and phone calls.
And… the results are in!
Comparing the self-reported data with the actual crime data for each precinct, the results show that the less affluent precincts have
a moderate burglary rate and a higher perception of the burglary rate than more affluent precincts, which currently have a higher
crime rate and the same level of perception of burglary rate as less affluent precincts. Interesting!
Data Analysis
Andrea compiles the data she has collected and analyzed from the national, state, and local levels as well as the
surveys she conducted. Her analysis of the data supports her problem statement! Now, it’s time to prepare the
report.
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The report begins with the story of the data. While property crimes are trending down on a nationwide basis, urban areas in the
state have a high rate of property crimes, specifically home invasion burglaries. Upon further drill-down to the precinct level of data
in her city, Precinct 5 has a higher level of burglary crimes than the rest of the city.
In her report, Andrea proposes to focus additional patrols in Precinct 5. Funding in Precinct 5 will leverage the dollars spent most
effectively because of the trending increase in the rate of burglaries.
Findings & Discussion
Andrea presents her report to Chief Edwards, and discusses her findings with him, including exactly how the data
supports her problem statement, as well as a summary of her research findings.
Chief Edwards is impressed with Andrea’s findings and decides there’s a strong enough case to ask the City Council for funding to
add additional patrols to the Precinct 5.
Andrea and Chief Edwards co-present the report and data to the City Council.
The City Council votes in favor of the additional funding. The data that supports adding street patrols in the third precinct is well
received. Andrea’s survey work especially put the Council at ease because the report acknowledged the residents’ perceptions
compared to the data. It was clear that the decision to provide funding for additional patrols in Precinct 5 is supported by data.
Now, it’s on to the next project for Andrea!
When completing a data analysis project, a few key points to remember are:
Use more than one data source.
Consider the integrity and appropriateness of data sources.
Present findings in a clear and concise report.
Take a moment to thoughtfully summarize this scenario.
What was the benefit of Andrea using more than one data source?
How would you rate the integrity of the data sources Andrea used, and why?
Why was it important for Andrea to have a clear and concise report?
Credits
Subject Matter Expert:
Katheryne Davis
Interactive Design:
Marc Ashmore, Chris Schons
Media Instructional Designer:
Anne Geske
Instructional Designer:
Susan Morin
Project Manager:
Andrea Thompson
Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/)
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