The Impact of Baltimore Community Intelligence Centers on Crime Levels

• In Event: Technological Advancements and Intelligence in Modern-Day Policing

Abstract

In 2018, the Baltimore Police Department launched Baltimore Community Intelligence Centers (BCICs) to enhance criminal investigations and improve directed patrol operations. The BCICs follow the crime intelligence centers (CIC) model originally pioneered by the Chicago Police Department’s Strategic Decision Support Centers. Unlike citywide intelligence hubs like real-time crime centers, CICs operate within police department districts, allowing personnel to collect and disseminate intelligence specific to those areas. CICs facilitate district-level responses to crime and generate actionable intelligence that informs various proactive policing strategies. This presentation shares results from a quasi-experimental evaluation of the BCICs. We collected more than 10 years of citywide crime data (April 2013 and June 2023) and used micro-synthetic control models to assess the impact of BCICs on public safety. We present findings across specific BCICs and crime types, followed by a discussion of policy implications and recommendations. These findings are part of a larger study of CICs funded by the National Institute of Justice.

Authors

• Daniel S. Lawrence, CNA Corporation

• Bryce Peterson, Center for Justice Research and Innovation, CNA

• Madi March, CNA Corporation