Data Analytics Become a Big Part of Fighting Local Crime

Local law enforcement officials recently demonstrated a new strategy they’ve been using to fight and reduce crime throughout the Reading area. The method involves the use of data analytics.

While this is not entirely new to the Reading Police Department, officers have been expanding their use of data in recent months. All county departments in Pennsylvania have access to CrimeMapping software and other technologies to help them fight crime.

At the Reading Police Department, officers can analyze data for major crimes such as murders, robberies and shootings over the course of seven-, 14- and 21-day spans (and longer) to identify “patterns, trends and clusters of behavior.” They will also analyze and compare specific periods of time to the same period in previous years, a practice the department refers to as “historic comparisons.”

The officers will pay special attention to anniversaries of homicides, as statistics have shown that retaliatory shootings often occur on or around the anniversary of a killing.

With big data becoming such an important part of many different industries, it only makes sense that law enforcement agencies are figuring out ways to use it to their advantage, as well.

Crime fighting methods are constantly evolving

Methods like these will continue to evolve, along with technologies that drive them. However, so will criminal defense tactics. If you are charged with a crime, it is important to get in touch with an attorney as soon as possible so that you can develop a strong defense.

To learn more about criminal defense strategies for your particular case, we encourage you to contact experienced Berks County criminal defense lawyer David R. Eshelman.