POL3701
Assignment 2 Semester 1 2026
Unique number:
Due Date: 7 April 2026
Detailed solutions, explanations, workings
and references.
+27 81 278 3372
, QUESTION 1
Effective crime analysis is essential for informed decision making and proactive
policing. Two important analytical tools used in crime intelligence are the Geographic
Information System (GIS) and Crime Pattern Analysis (CPA). Both tools assist police
officials in identifying trends, understanding spatial distribution, and deploying
resources effectively. Although they are related, each provides different types of
information and serves different operational purposes.
Geographic Information System (GIS)
The Geographic Information System is an electronic crime mapping tool that
provides spatial and temporal information about crimes reported within a specific
policing area. It is essentially the digital version of traditional crime mapping. The
system operates as a daily crime reporting database that receives information
directly from the Crime Administration System when crimes are reported at the
Community Service Centre (POL3701 Study Guide, 2020).
GIS documents provide detailed and specific information regarding each reported
crime. Firstly, the system records the CAS number, which uniquely identifies each
reported case. This number allows investigators and analysts to track individual
incidents accurately. Secondly, it provides the date of occurrence, which helps
determine when the crime took place. This information is crucial for identifying time
trends and patterns.
Thirdly, GIS records the type of crime committed, allowing classification into
categories such as burglary, robbery, assault, or vehicle theft. This classification
supports statistical analysis and trend monitoring. Fourthly, the system documents
the exact address or location where the incident occurred. This geographic
detail enables spatial mapping and the identification of high crime concentration
areas.
Lastly, GIS includes information regarding the method used or modus operandi.
The modus operandi refers to how the crime was committed. This assists in
identifying similarities between incidents and may indicate whether crimes are linked
to the same offender or group (POL3701 Study Guide, 2020).
Varsity Cube 2026 +27 81 278 3372
Assignment 2 Semester 1 2026
Unique number:
Due Date: 7 April 2026
Detailed solutions, explanations, workings
and references.
+27 81 278 3372
, QUESTION 1
Effective crime analysis is essential for informed decision making and proactive
policing. Two important analytical tools used in crime intelligence are the Geographic
Information System (GIS) and Crime Pattern Analysis (CPA). Both tools assist police
officials in identifying trends, understanding spatial distribution, and deploying
resources effectively. Although they are related, each provides different types of
information and serves different operational purposes.
Geographic Information System (GIS)
The Geographic Information System is an electronic crime mapping tool that
provides spatial and temporal information about crimes reported within a specific
policing area. It is essentially the digital version of traditional crime mapping. The
system operates as a daily crime reporting database that receives information
directly from the Crime Administration System when crimes are reported at the
Community Service Centre (POL3701 Study Guide, 2020).
GIS documents provide detailed and specific information regarding each reported
crime. Firstly, the system records the CAS number, which uniquely identifies each
reported case. This number allows investigators and analysts to track individual
incidents accurately. Secondly, it provides the date of occurrence, which helps
determine when the crime took place. This information is crucial for identifying time
trends and patterns.
Thirdly, GIS records the type of crime committed, allowing classification into
categories such as burglary, robbery, assault, or vehicle theft. This classification
supports statistical analysis and trend monitoring. Fourthly, the system documents
the exact address or location where the incident occurred. This geographic
detail enables spatial mapping and the identification of high crime concentration
areas.
Lastly, GIS includes information regarding the method used or modus operandi.
The modus operandi refers to how the crime was committed. This assists in
identifying similarities between incidents and may indicate whether crimes are linked
to the same offender or group (POL3701 Study Guide, 2020).
Varsity Cube 2026 +27 81 278 3372
