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Crime science masterclasses enhance community safety

UCL Consultants helped negotiate terms with the North Wales Police for a study that enhances crime analysis and mapping.

Photo: istock.com

16 October 2013

Understanding the issues and the problems that drive crime and what works and why in terms of solutions and prevention, has to be a key component of 21st century policing. Especially in an economic environment where budgets and resources are under real pressure to achieve value and results.

This is why when North Wales Police wanted the help of a renowned authority on this subject, they turned to UCL's Spencer Chainey, through the auspices of Mark Sedgwick of UCL Consultants, who rapidly negotiated an agreement to enable Spencer to meet the force's demanding deadline for delivery.

Although Spencer's interests are in developing geographical crime analysis and mapping (he is Director of Geographical Information Science, UCL Security and Crime Science), his day-to-day work involves developing the use of data, information sharing and analysis. 

The results of his work are used to empower intelligence development and decision-making by a number of organisations charged with improving community safety, such as police forces, community safety partnerships, and national crime reduction and policing agencies.

Working locally, nationally and internationally

Spencer's work has had an influence on policy and crime reduction initiatives right across the world, from here in the UK to the USA, Canada, Brazil, China, Germany, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.

Spencer has helped North Wales Police to target resources at specific areas of need, with the confidence that they are likely to impact upon the problem and improve community safety.

This approach works because rather than just offering descriptive statistical content, the emphasis is placed on ensuring that analysis outputs provide a rich explanation of the problem. As a result, issues are tackled via decisions that are supported with fit for purpose analytical outputs.

Intelligence-led and evidence-based policing events

Spencer's learning events are a practical combination of lectures and group workshops. These include discussion on the evidence from hotspot policing research and tactics, review of the key problem-solving principles and ingredients that determine an effective intelligence-led and evidence-based approach to policing and community safety.

A number of topics are covered including:

  • The role analysis should play in informing decision making
  • Discussing the findings from the problem profile and exploring the principles that make any response (tactical, investigative or strategic enforcement, detective, preventative or reassurance) effective
  • Developing a plan of response implementation that could offer immediate and sustainable solutions, and which seeks to utilise resources, where applicable, from a range of partners.

Mark Sedgwick commented: "I was delighted to provide the legal support to an initiative with such huge societal importance; Spencer's expertise has the potential to raise policing standards nationwide, for the benefit of all our communities."

Let us help you challenge convention.

Are you interested in finding out how tailored training courses could help you meet your organisational needs? UCLC designs and delivers bespoke programmes. We offer an end-to-end managed service, from establishing your precise needs to programme evaluation and impact.

Read more on the Bespoke Short Courses section of our website, or reach out to the team: bespoke@uclconsultants.com

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