Municipal police departments' attention to crime analysis: essential or impractical?

Technologically advanced strategies such as crime analysis have great potential for impacting a department's efficiency, crime reduction, and professionalism. Yet, to what extent are they being used or perceived as necessary by police departments. This study examines the use of such strategies in New Jersey police departments in cities with a population of 15,000 and above. Specifically, we surveyed 90 police departments in New Jersey in an effort to determine the type of computer technology they possess, as well as the extent and manner to which they use crime analysis. We found that although most departments use crime analysis, few use modern strategies in such endeavors.