About MAPS
Spatial data analysis and Geographic Information System (GIS) technology contribute to the advancement of crime analysis and the better understanding of criminal behavior. Since 1997 the Mapping & Analysis for Public Safety (MAPS) program, formerly the Crime Mapping Research Center (CMRC), has reached out to academics and practitioners alike in the criminology, criminal justice and law enforcement communities to bridge the gap between research and practice. The MAPS program supports research into spatial aspects of crime, spatial data analysis, mapping and analysis for evaluating programs and policy, as well as development of mapping, data sharing, and spatial analysis tools. MAPS also sponsors conferences and workshops and publishes reports.
Research & Evaluation
MAPS strives to maintain a high level of activity in both intramural and extramural research. MAPS has awarded more than 35 grants over the years specifically for the application of spatial data analysis in criminological and policing research.
MAPS also conducts in-house research in order to maintain its presence as a knowledgeable leader in the application of spatial data analysis. For example, one of the in-house studies is using Geographically Weighted Regression to explore the effect of religious institution density on homicide rates and to explain the impact of informal social control at the local level. Another study is using spatial regression to understand how the mass incarceration of criminals over the past 20 years is affecting neighborhoods.
MAPS has also supported public policy evaluation initiatives that include the spatial dimension in the analysis. This has included, for example, evaluation of the COPS Boston youth firearm initiative. More recently, MAPS has conducted a study to evaluate the impact of Federal crime intervention policy in public housing communities.
Development
MAPS has supported development of spatial technologies and software for use in crime mapping and analysis. Among these is CrimeStat III, a spatial statistics software package that can be used for analyzing hot spots, offender travel patterns, among other capabilities. School COP software, developed by Abt Associates, enables school safety officials to map, track and analyze incidents. With support from NIJ, the idea of School COP has been transferred and developed into a tool (Facility COP) for correctional facilities.
Dissemination
MAPS sponsors the Annual Crime Mapping Research Conferences - held every 18 months - to bring together crime analyst practitioners and researchers to learn about current research initiatives and findings, as well as applications of crime mapping by law enforcement, corrections and other practictioners. The MAPS conference consistently draws over 350 participants from all over the United States and the international community. The next conference will take place next September in New Orleans.
Another key channel for dissemination is the MAPS website, which offers MAPS publications, information on training opportunities, data resources and other relevant topics. MAPS publications cover technical, applied, and theoretical aspects of crime mapping & analysis. Recent titles include "Privacy in the Information Age" and "Understanding Hot Spots".
As well, MAPS operates the CrimeMAP Listserv, which serves to foster discussion about crime mapping among practictioners and researchers. Through the listserv, crime mapping experts regularly provide feedback and advice to those who are just starting out in the field. Members also occasionally announce relevant job opportunities, via the listserv. The listserv is also an important means for MAPS staff to announce upcoming events and new publications.
Finally, like all NIJ grant products, the work produced by and for MAPS is collected and stored for research purposes at the Inter-university Consortium for Political & Social Research (ICPSR).