Assessing spatial patterns of crime in Lima, Ohio

Police departments, city officials and policy makers all recognize the importance of a better understanding of the dynamics of crime. Both theoretical and applied approaches, or combinations of the two, which provide insight into why and where crime takes place are much in demand. Macrolevel analysis helps to identify problem neighborhoods. Microlevel analysis helps to isolate precise trouble spots within neighborhoods and, as a result, allows for better evaluation of crime and specific socioeconomic, demographic, land use and environmental characteristics associated with these trouble spots. This paper details a framework for better understanding the spatial characteristics of crime based upon the use of geographical information systems (GIS) and quantitative techniques. Lima, Ohio, provides a case study for a number of reasons. Many smaller communities have serious crime problems, so the study of crime in these communities is much needed. Lima (population 40,263) has violent crime rates well above average for its size, experiencing rates of violent crime equal to or above larger cities such as Columbus, Cincinnati and Toledo. Also, crime has an inordinately strong influence in the social and economic performance of small cities and hinders economic recovery efforts. The establishment of an analytical and theoretical framework for evaluating the relationship between aspects of place and the clustering of crime will undoubtedly lead to enhanced crime prevention strategies. (C) 2004 Published by Elsevier Ltd.