The collection of crime data makes it possible to observe crime trends as they develop and then redirect patrol activities accordingly. The hospitals use computers to generate investigative reports and create data bases for historical theft analysis and resource allocation. Such recordkeeping can identify types of problems and whether they occurred in pediatrics, the pharmacy, or supply rooms. The security staff can then act more directly on the problem. One of the hospitals has developed a productivity report which shows the number of hours spent on various security functions. Crime data can also aid in crime prevention by determining which locations need more or less security. To have a successful crime-tracking program, employees must be trained to recognize incidents as they occur, and security personnel must be trained to report any incidents that occur. Additionally, security personnel should be instructed in the reasons for keeping accurate and detailed information on incidents. Reports must be uniform throughout the hospital. In the compilation of data, accuracy should be verified by followup. A report should provide information on the type of item stolen, a record of the time and weather when the item was stolen, and a supplementary followup report indicating whether the article was recovered and, if not, the estimated replacement cost. Data should be analyzed periodically during the year to determine patterns. 2 figures, 7 footnotes.