Pinellas County Sheriff's Office - Crime Analysis Section

Crime Analysis is defined as...
A set of systematic, analytical processes directed at providing timely and pertinent information relative to crime patterns and trend correlations to assist the operational and administrative personnel in planning the deployment of resources for the prevention and suppression of criminal activities, aiding the investigative process, and increasing apprehensions and the clearance of cases. Within this context, Crime Analysis supports a number of department functions including patrol deployment, special operations, and tactical units, investigations, planning and research, crime prevention, and administrative services (budgeting and program planning). —Steven Gottlieb et al., 1994, “Crime Analysis: From First Report To Final Arrest."

The Crime Analysis Section is...
A resource center where specific crime data is collected, analyzed, and maintained for timely dissemination to Sheriff’s Office personnel and selected outside sources. The Crime Analysis Section is also responsible for data compilation, analysis, information dissemination and facilitation of the PROSTAR (Proactive Statistical Analysis Reporting) and INTERACT (Internal Accountability) crime reduction philosophy/models.

Sample GPS tracking map used for persons released on their own recognizance

In addition, the Crime Analysis Section has a Geographical Information System (GIS) component that provides mapping with tactical and strategic analysis support of criminal activity through the Enforcer application on a countywide basis.

Sample of statistical
"Hot Spot"

The Crime Analysis Section is composed of one lieutenant, two civilian supervisors, a GIS Applications Specialist, a Geographic Profiling Analyst, six crime analysts and one clerk. Specific data concerning reported crimes, suspects, and known offenders are gathered from various source documents. This data is collected in the ACISS Computer Program system. Through the systematic retrieval and examination of crime data from the ACISS systems, crime patterns and trends are identified and attempts are made to associate similar crime MO's (Modus Operandi) and link crimes with specific suspects. Analysts are able to utilize several systems to forecast when and where an offender(s) may strike again as well as the offender(s) anchor point. Analyzed data is disseminated on a timely basis both orally and through the use of various Crime Analysis Section information products and at the monthly PROSTAR meetings.

Weekly Crime Report

In addition to daily personal interaction with enforcement personnel and response to individual requests for research, the Crime Analysis Section generates flash bulletins, crime patterns and series reports. The flash bulletins are published on an "as-needed" basis to alert enforcement personnel to a special situation. Flash bulletins are not intended to replace or duplicate Investigative Operations Bureau bulletins, which generally serve as a BOLO for specific suspects in a specific crime. The Crime Pattern Alerts & Series reports are published when analysts determine that a crime trend has developed. The reports are presented to identify tactical or strategic plans. Further, maps are produced for various components of the agency and outside sources and types of crimes can be plotted and tracked for an easy visual depiction of crime trends or patterns.

Sample of linked
investigative tools
(click for larger image)

The Crime Analysis function is divided into three primary categories. First, Tactical Crime Analysis is an analytical process that provides information used to assist operations personnel in identifying specific and immediate crime trends, patterns, series, and hotspots, thereby providing investigative leads and assisting in clearing cases. Analysis includes associating criminal activity by method of crime, time, date, location, suspect, vehicle, and other types of information. Second, Strategic Crime Analysis is concerned with long-range problems and projections of long-term increases or decreases in crime or crime trends. Strategic analysis also includes the preparation of crime statistical summaries, resource acquisition, and allocation studies. Lastly, Administrative Crime Analysis is focused on providing economic, geographic, or social information for administrative purposes.