Crime Analysis Literature

A wide array of crime analysis literature is available for those seeking to gain knowledge of the practices and techniques of the profession.  This select listing of recommended books will familiarize an analyst with the crime analysis field.

Exploring Crime Analysis (2nd Edition)

International Association of Crime Analysts. Exploring Crime Analysis (2nd edition). Overland Park, KS: IACA, 2009.

This is a handbook for police crime analysts and prospective crime analysts, outlining the major skills and knowledge sets necessary to be successful in the profession, from fundamental knowledge to advanced mathematical and computer skills.

Crime Analysis with Crime Mapping

Boba, Rachel. Crime Analysis with Crime Mapping. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage, 2008.

One of the first books to bring crime analysis and crime mapping to an undergraduate audience and the only introductory core text available on the topic, this Second Edition of Crime Analysis with Crime Mapping provides an overview of the field, covers key analytical techniques, and discusses crime prevention and the role of crime analysis in effective policing. Enriched by author Rachel Boba’s unique perspective as an experienced academic and former crime analyst, the book offers a thorough introduction to the field as well as guidelines for practice.

Crime Analysis for Problem Solvers: in 60 Small Steps

Clarke, Ronald V. and John Eck. Crime Analysis for Problem Solvers: in 60 Small Steps. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services, 2005.

This is a practical manual for the working crime analyst. This guidebook encourages analysts to incorporate the principles of problem-oriented policing and practical theory into their daily work.

Fundamentals of Crime Mapping

Paynich, Rebecca and Bryan Hill. Fundamentals of Crime Mapping. Sudbury, MA: Jones & Bartlett Publishers, 2010.

Fundamentals of Crime Mapping introduces the topic of crime mapping and the history of GIS in law enforcement. This valuable text includes a workbook for hands-on instruction. Special topics discussed include: an up-to-date discussion of the current crime trends in rural and urban areas, the major ecological theories of crime, the notion of geographic profiling, empirical research using crime mapping tools, basic mapping terminology, and more!

Better Policing with Office 2007

Bruce, Christopher W. and Mark A. Stallo. Better Policing with Office 2007. Charleston, South Carolina: BookSurge Publishing, 2009.

This book demonstrates how to use Access, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint to become more effective and efficient in law enforcement applications. The examples presented in this book concentrate on crime analysis and other police functions. The exercises solve real world problems in law enforcement, using fictional data. The book has been designed for a 40 hour seminar or a semester long college course. College or university faculty are encouraged to review the book for use in a crime analysis and other law enforcement application courses.