In 1829, Sir Robert Peel laid the foundation for the modern day professional police force. In shaping the conceptual framework for policing, Peel put forth: “The basic mission for which the police exist is to prevent crime and disorder.” While Peel described a proactive ideal, many police agencies are struggling today running from call to call.
With 14 years working with the police community, I understand Peel’s theoretical assertion and today’s practical challenges facing law enforcement. I also understand how to help optimize available resources and support law enforcement’s prevention mission. But how can agencies do both? I believe it’s through:
- Integrating information housed in multiple disparate systems.
- Applying advanced analytics to prevent through prediction.
- Providing needed, meaningful information to those making decisions – from police executives to line officers.
The use of analytics can assist law enforcement agencies in establishing a framework that supports efforts to reduce crime, disorder, victimization, vehicle crashes, and other threats to quality of life.
As a recent addition to the SAS State & Local Government Practice, I look forward to helping agencies reach Peel’s ideal – where law enforcement agencies truly police to prevent.