Crime analysts have a variety of methods for collecting data, doing analysis and reporting out to line patrol officers, middle and senior management, and also to various organizations. One method, COMPSTAT, was extensively utilized in New York city and has been attributed as key component for data analysis. As with any method there are pros and cons. This book The Crime Numbers Game: Management by Manipulation explores the relationship between analysis, number crunching, “book cooking” and a variety of other problems associated with crime reduction.
Take a look at this review and think about the challenges you face when considering the data, what you are being asked to do with the data, and how you will present it.