Neighborhood Crime Mapping (Details)

Name of province/ territory:

Alberta

City/ Region:

Edmonton

Description of Initiative:

The Edmonton Police Service (EPS) developed the Neighborhood Crime Mapping online tool in 2009 to provide timely, relevant data on crime at the neighborhood level. On the Neighbourhood Crime Mapping website, citizens can view crime statistics for a specific neighbourhood and time period (from one day to 60 days) for up to eight different types of crime (homicide, robbery, sexual assault, non-sexual assault, break and enter, motor vehicle theft, theft from auto, and other thefts over $5,000).

This online tool helps the public and community crime prevention partners become better informed in relation to public safety decision making. It allows for better engagement with the Edmonton Police Service with regard to crime prevention initiatives and prioritization. Community partners, accurately informed about the conditions of public safety and supported by comprehensive crime prevention initiatives, are the best team approach to reducing crime and victimization in Edmonton.

Initiative Key Objectives:

Neighbourhood Crime Mapping seeks to provide the citizens of Edmonton with timely, relevant crime data at the neighbourhood level in an effort to improve public engagement and create stronger partnerships in crime prevention initiatives and prioritization. This tool also enhances the accountability and transparency of the Edmonton Police Service.

Section Responsible for Implementation:

This initiative is a collaborative effort between the Office of Strategy Management and the Intelligence Branch.

Key Contact:

Joanne Graham
joanne.graham@edmontonpolice.ca

Groups/ Agencies/ Key Partners Involved:

  • community groups
  • other police services
  • civilian governing authorities

Level of Involvement (consultative - information sharing) and/or cooperative - direct involvement):

The public was consulted during the development of the crime map, during the roll-out and for feedback once it was up and running. The Edmonton Police Commission was an active partner in guiding the development and public launch of the map. The Calgary Police Service was consulted to gain insight on its experience in developing a crime map.

Amount of Time Initiative has been in Place:

The neighborhood crime map was developed in 2009.

Reason for Undertaking the Initiative:

This initiative was undertaken to inform the public and to increase public engagement in crime prevention activities.

Resources Required to Implement this Initiative:

Neighborhood Crime Mapping required an investment of approximately $20,000. This included software development costs and $6,500 in graphic design fees. There is an ongoing annual cost of $10,000 for a Google Premium licence.

Method of Implementation:

The initiative was implemented in one phase.

Key Outcomes of the Initiative:

Feedback received from the citizens of Edmonton has been positive and continues to reinforce the value of the crime map. Feedback has also included ideas for enhancements. An evaluation of the initiative is not planned at this time.

Availability of a Communication Strategy:

Yes

Key Messages used to Publicize the Initiative:

Significant media promotion was done for this initiative.

Consultation with community groups, handbill distribution, media releases, presentations at public police commission meetings, television and radio interviews and EPS website articles were part of the communication plan.

Some of the key messages:

  • Support and enable the Edmonton public and community crime prevention partners through the provision of timely, relevant crime data that will provide a real picture of crime at the neighborhood level,
  • The public and our community partners will be better informed in relation to public safety decision making and better able to engage with us in crime prevention initiatives and prioritization.
  • A better informed public will be will lead to stronger partnerships.
  • Stronger partnerships will lead to stronger and more comprehensive crime prevention initiatives.
  • Community partners, accurately informed about the conditions of public safety and enabled by comprehensive crime prevention initiatives, are the best team approach to reducing crime and victimization.
  • Accountability and transparency with the citizens of Edmonton.

Forms of Evaluation by which the Initiative will be Assessed:

  • internal
  • qualitative

Evaluation Completed or Community Feedback Received:

Yes

Summary of the Outcomes:

E-mail feedback continues to reinforce the value of the crime map as well as provide ideas for enhancements.

Summary of the Performance Measure Data Collected:

N/A

Economics of Policing Pillars:

Further Details:

N/A

Additional Comments or Suggestions:

N/A

Record Entry Date:

2013-08-01

Date modified: