Target-Based Approach to Determine Spatio-Temporal Pattern of Crime

• In Event: Innovations in Spatial Analysis

Abstract

Research has long focused on two main spatial aspects of crime: spatial patterns and spatial processes. When analyzing these patterns and processes, a key issue has been to determine the proper spatial scale. In addition, it is important to consider the possibility that these patterns and processes might differ appreciably for different types of crime, and they might vary across geographic units of analysis. The present study adopts a target-based approach to develop an analytical and theoretical framework that can facilitate the determination of the proper spatial scale of analysis. We examine spatial-temporal dependence within and among types of crime, at varying geographical scales, and for different geographic distances and strength of clustering within and among types of crime at different temporal aggregations. The analyses are based on recorded incidents of crime for Columbus, Ohio during the 1994-2002 period. We implement point pattern analysis on the crime points using Ripley’s K function. The results of our analyses concerning the geographic scale of spatial patterns and processes can inform the development of effective policies for crime control.

Authors

• Mohammed A Alazawi, University at Albany(SUNY)

• Shiguo Jiang, State University of New York, University at Albany

• Steven Messner, University at Albany, SUNY