Geographic information system in police affairs and crime prevention

Nowadays, the extensive and complex nature of crime necessitates the adoption of more effective measures beyond the development of judicial institutions, enactment of restrictive laws, imposition of stricter penalties, and law enforcement measures. Thus, attention should be directed towards effective variables in crime prevention such as acquiring documented, credible, and valid information as well as accurate analysis for reducing crime rates. Geographic Information System (GIS) technology, with access to analytical and specialized functions, enables the virtual simulation of criminal incidents, marking a significant step in data analysis, pattern design, time and location prediction, and identification of critical points. Currently, GIS is extensively utilized in crime prevention, enabling the collection of spatial data from various sources and its utilization by law enforcement authorities. This system facilitates the analysis of crime patterns and the identification of high-risk areas, as well as contributes to the planning and execution of crime prevention strategies and security resource management. This article employs a descriptive-analytical method to examine the utilization of GIS in police and law enforcement matters.