Community Crime Map crime mapping and analysis interface displays four views of a city's crime data to the public. A simple tabbed interface allows the public to switch between a Map, Data Grid, Analytics and Metadata view of the crime data.
Community Crime Map displays limited crime data to the public in Google Maps' well known, intuitive mapping interface. Crime type, street-level address, location type and date and time are displayed for the public. Filtering capabilities include address search, buffer and date constraints.
Community Crime Map gives the user full control over how data is displayed. In "Data Grid" view users can turn on and off columns and sort data based on any variable. Data in the grid automatically updates based on the incidents displayed on the map.
Meaningful, visually stunning graphs help users visualize crime trends in their area. Graphs automatically update based on the data that is displayed on the map giving user's full control over what data they would like to analyze.
It is important for the public to feel confident in the data that they are viewing. Community Crime Map's Metadata tab displays useful information about the data that is being displayed. The source of the data, accuracy of points on the map and other useful information displayed in Community Crime Map help improve transparency and trust between law enforcement and the public.
Users can apply filters to the data to view only the information that matters most to them. The Sidebar in Community Crime Map includes a number of filters that help the user focus on a specific area, type of crime, or date range. As a user adjusts these filters, the filters automatically apply throughout the application.
Example: If a user applies a filter to the Crime Types sidebar menu to show only crimes that are Thefts, then only incidents that are classified as Thefts are displayed on the map. If the user switches to the Analytics tab, the graphs automatically adjust to display information only related to Thefts.
To search for an address, click on the Search address tab and then type an address in the Address field. You will need the following information:
Once the information has been entered, click the Go to Address button.
To jump to a city, click on the Jump to City drop list and select the city you would like to view crime data for (cities are ordered alphabetically by state).
To navigate from the National Map, click on a blue-shaded state. An info window containing participating cities for the state will appear. Click on the city you would like to view.
The buffer layer allows you to set a perimeter around an address. To create a buffer, click the checkbox labeled On under the Buffer section.
To adjust the size of the buffer, select a distance from the buffer distance drop list menu. To view only crime within the buffer, click the Only display events within buffer checkbox.
You can zoom in and out by either using the scroll wheel on the mouse or the slider at the upper-left portion of the map. Your cursor will need to be over the map for the scroll wheel on the mouse to work as a zoom tool.
To change the map layer, click on the Map, Satellite or Terrain buttons in the upper right side of the screen.
To adjust the crimes in the view, click on the Crime Types menu in the sidebar. Then click on the icons for the crime types you would like to view.
Click the Select All button at the bottom of the menu to view all crimes or click the Deselect All button to remove all crimes from view.
To select a pre-defined data range, click on the Quick Date drop list and select the desired date range
To select specific start and end dates, select the dates from the Start Date and End Date calendar under the Date Range section.
To use the Time Slider, click the View points using the time slider checkbox. Once the slider appears, move the start and end date bars to select a time range in real time.
A density map, or hot spot analysis, provides a spatial analysis of where crime is clustering. To a view a density map, set your resolution (higher resolution results in higher quality, but will take longer to calculate) and check the Density Map checkbox. To calculate the density map for a different set of crimes, click the Calculate link.
To view crimes in the Data Grid view, click on Data Grid tab on the upper-left portion of the map.
The Data Grid makes comparing details of crime much easier.
To re-order the columns, click on a column header and drag it to another location.
To sort data in the Data Grid, click on the arrow that appears on the right-hand of the header. Then select Sort Ascending or Sort Descending option from the menu.
To cycle through the pages of crimes in the Data Grid, click on the navigation arrows in the toolbar below the grid. Arrows will move either backward or forward one page and the double arrows will either move to the first or last page of crime in view.
To view the total number of records in view, look at the bottom right in the Data Grid view.
The Analytics tab provides graphs and charts to help you better understand the crime situation in your neighborhood. To view the analytics, click on the Analytics tab in the upper-left portion of the map.
From the Analytics tab, move any analytics to any position by clicking on its title bar and dragging it to the desired position.
.
The Metadata page provides additional information on the crime and agencies in view. To view this data, click on the Metadata tab in the upper-left portion of the screen.
To sign up for Neighborhood Watch reports, click on the Sign up for crime alerts tab, located in the upper-right portion of the screen. Complete and submit the sign-up form.
To stop receiving Neighborhood Watch Reports, unsubscribe by clicking on the Stop receiving this report link provided at the bottom of any Neighborhood Watch Report.
To provide anonymous tips to participating law enforcement agencies, click on any crime icon and then click the Submit an anonymous tip link.
On the next screen, fill out the anonymous tip form and click the Submit button below the form.
Note: Not all agencies participate in the anonymous tips service.
Here is a list of definitions for the crimes listed on the Crime Types tab:
The unlawful attack of one person by another with intent to inflict severe harm or injury. This type of assault is generally accompanied by the use of a weapon.
The sale or fabrication of Alcohol by unlicensed outlets and offenses related to the use of alcohol while operating any type of vehicle.
Violations not incorporated in the other categories but still considered a crime under the law.
Non-criminal incidents not incorporated in the other categories.
The act of causing or attempting to case bodily harm upon another individual.
The act of setting fires to structures or wild areas with malicious intent.
Acting deliberately, intentionally, or recklessly with complete disregard for human life to kill another person.
Breaking and entering into a commercial property with intent to steal property from its premise.
Breaking and entering into a vehicle with intent to steal private property.
Breaking and entering into a residence with intent to steal private property.
An investigation into the criminal or non-criminal events leading to the death of an individual.
Any action that goes against decency, public peace or has the outcome of shocking the publics sense of morality.
Drivng a vehicle while being physically or mentally impaired by the use of alcohol or illegal substances.
Any offense regarding the manufacturing, distribution or use of illegal substances.
Any offense involving the distortion of the truth to gain personal gain or wealth.
The theft or attempted theft of a motor vehicle.
The intentional killing of another human being.
Any offense involving the act of stealing from a business through the use of threats or force.
Any offense involving the act of stealing from an individual throguh the use of threats or force.
The carnal knowledge of an individual, forcibly and against their will.
All sexual offenses other than sexual assualt.
To steal merchandise from a business while they are opened for business.
The unlawful taking, carrying, leading or riding away of property from the possession of another.
Theft of property valued low enough for the offense to be considered minor.
An un-expected collision with a vehicle. This includes land, sea and air.
To willfully damage, deface or destroy public or private property.
Violations involving the prohibited manufacture, possession, transportation, sale, purchase, concealment or use of weapons including firearms, explosives, chemicals, knives and other forms of weapons.