The Crime Mapping Unit provides mapping and spatial analysis services for all participating
law enforcement agencies within the W/B HIDTA region. The unit's map products serve
a wide variety of applications. Maps displaying the location of recent crime events
can be used in targeting enforcement efforts in areas where they are most needed.
Other maps, such as those containing aerial imagery, can help in planning operations.
The Crime Mapping Unit also assists agencies in evaluating the effects of law enforcement
operations. By gathering and mapping data on crime and drug related activity over
time in a given area, the Crime Mapping Unit's staff can show law enforcement personnel
whether or not their operations are achieving the desired results and observe trends
in drug trafficking and related criminal activity.
- Operation Planning Maps
- Animations of Crime Events
- Repeat Address Maps
- Courtroom Map Graphics
- Pin Maps
- Indentifying Geographic Hotspots
- Aerial Imagery
- Cell Phone Location Maps
In order to provide clients with accurate and effective maps the W/B HIDTA maintains
a large GIS database for the region. Through partnerships with federal, state and
local GIS data providers, the W/B HIDTA is able to acquire highly accurate raster
and vector datasets, including digital aerial imagery. The Mapping Unit also possesses
the computer software, hardware and expertise necessary to produce map products
that maximize the usefulness of this data in law enforcement. Crime mapping assistance
is provided at no cost to the initiatives or agency. The unit provides various levels
of support depending on the needs of the particular agency. To some agencies without
GIS technology, the unit is the sole source for crime mapping products. Other agencies,
with some resources of their own, only seek assistance for special projects or data
requests. As a result the unit produces roughly 200 maps per year.
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