CRIME MAPPING (continued)

Training Resources Available

Information and Training

Three publicly funded agencies offer free training courses to help law enforcement personnel master crime-mapping technology. VOCA administrators can also take these courses and adapt the information to victim services planning.

The Crime Mapping and Analysis Program (CMAP) at the University of Denver in Colorado offers a 2-week introductory course and courses in more advanced applications. For course schedules and other information, contact Noah Fritz by phone at 1–800–416–8086, by fax at 303–871–2500, or by e-mail at nfritz@du.edu.

The Carolinas Institute for Community Policing (CICP) offers courses that emphasize crime mapping technology as an element of community policing. The courses are offered in six cities throughout North and South Carolina in both technical and nontechnical formats. The technical portion is appropriate for crime analysts; the nontechnical portion is appropriate for officers, administrators, and community members. For course schedules and other information, contact Linda Waddell at CICP, Charlotte-Mecklenburg, North Carolina, Police Department, by phone at 704–336–4899, by fax at 704–336–7799, or by e-mail at pdlw@mail.charmeck.nc.us.

Mapping and Analysis for Public Safety (MAPS), in collaboration with the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services, offers training in crime mapping through Regional Community Policing Institutes. The center offers four courses that are appropriate for police officers, crime analysts, community members, and researchers.

Tuition is free and training is held at Regional Community Policing Institutes throughout the country. The courses can be downloaded from the MAPS Web site. To learn about how to become a trainer, how to host training classes, or how to take the training, contact Richard Lumb, CICP Director, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, by phone at 704–336–2162, by fax at 704–336–7799, or by e-mail at rlumb@cmpd.ci.charlotte.nc.us.

The courses include

Crime Mapping for Community Policing and Problem Solving (4 hours): geared toward officers, community members, and others who are interested in the basics of crime mapping.

Mapping for Managers (4 hours): geared toward administrators and managers who want to know about crime mapping, what to ask for, and what to expect.

What Is Crime Mapping? (8 hours): geared toward analysts, officers, community members, and others who want a more indepth look at crime mapping.

Integrating GIS Into an Organization (8 hours): geared toward analysts, officers, and others who are playing a role in implementing crime mapping in their agency.