CCI-Prävinar #6: Cutting Crime Impact — Police analysis and communication tool to support effective information-enhanced patrolling

Abstract

"The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place."  George Bernard Shaw

As part of the EU-funded Cutting Crime Impact (CCI) project, the State Office of Criminal Investigation (LKA) in Lower Saxony, Germany, investigated the implementation and front-line use of Predictive Policing with the aim to identify issues and address shortcomings. Researchers conducted observation and interview research into the use of the LKA's PreMAP predictive system by police officers. Findings revealed that predictive data was not being used as it was not provided in a way that met the needs of officers. In addition, research found that PreMAP data was just one of many types of information that needed to be provided more systematically to officers in daily patrol briefings and shared between shifts. Observational research highlighted the fact that shortcomings in the implementation of PreMAP were not simply due to the technology, but to relevant information not being communicated in a way that supported officers in their patrolling duties.

From these insights, the LKA researchers designed and developed their PATROL Tool. This Tool is tailored to the local policing context, and includes various elements that support comprehensive information processing and more effective internal communication, enabling an intelligence-enhanced approach to patrolling.

Maurice Illi will present the PATROL tool, discussing the research that led to its development, how it works and how it supports police officers to more effectively receive, share and use information.

Dr Chiara Ryffel will present on the critical importance of information in decision-making and taking effective action. She will discuss how poor communication and a lack of information in High Reliability Organisations (HRO) can result in inadequate actions that in turn lead to critical incidents. The more precise and comprehensive information is, the better a situation can be assessed and appropriate action identified and taken. This is especially important in emergency situations where decisions and actions must be taken speedily. By focusing on providing employees with the information, resources and equipment they need, organisations can better create and enhance safety.