This award supports a conference that convenes researchers from the fields of operations engineering and criminal justice, along with police department leadership from across the US, to explore research directions in decision analytics and operations research to improve dynamic, data-driven policing methods. Beginning in 2008, so-called "predictive policing", which entails using analytical methods to predict how, when, where, and by whom crimes will occur, has been deployed by police departments in many states. These methods rely on historical data collected on time, location, and details of crimes, as well as on characteristics of perpetrators and victims. While some jurisdiction have shown an overall decrease in crime after implementation of predictive policing, other evaluative studies have shown the effects to be negligible or even detrimental. These methods have been criticized on three critical aspects: (1) they are not informed by a sociological perspective; (2) they assume that data include the necessary information for both prediction and effective response; and (3) they ignore the dynamic nature of the policing system. This conference will bring together appropriate researchers, along with practitioners, to build a cross-disciplinary understanding of policing challenges that may be addressable by decision analytics and operations research.
One of the most serious challenges facing police departments is the effective use of resources to address calls for service, especially when responding to serious crimes. Police departments recognize that part of a comprehensive approach to community safety involves protecting the rights of all involved during police encounters. The focus of this workshop is on identifying operational aspects, including data collection and analysis, planning, training, and crime scene investigation, where additional research may lead to improved resource allocation. Day 1 of the conference includes keynotes on predictive policing and data analytic case studies, as well as breakout sessions for working groups. Day 2 of the conference will include a keynote speaker addressing international policing strategies, and working groups will continue to discuss and document research needs. Four teams of researchers who have established relationships with large police organizations serve as workshop organizers. Additional teams of attendees (operations engineers, criminal justice researchers, police department leadership) will be recruited to participate in the workshop. This activity will provide a unique forum to bring together a variety of stakeholders to encourage research on this important societal topic.
This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
