Fluent Essays

IntroductionIn Chapter 1 of The Mismeasure of Crime, you read about the importance of reliability and validity of data in social research in the criminal justice context. Often, in an effort to measure crime and delinquency, for example, the result is a mismeasurement. To avoid this mismeasurement, it is important to consider constraints in research: what they are and why they are important for valid findings.Whether measurement of social phenomena is accurate can depend on the time and context of the data being measured. As societal views change, the meaning of the data can change with it. Therefore, it is important to select precise indicators when measuring abstract concepts, such as when trying to operationalize social phenomena. Before completing the discussion, view Riverbend City: Crime Analyst in Action (attached) to meet a crime analyst who shares her career challenges and strategies and introduces the research process she uses in a recent assignment.In your main post:Explain the necessary factors to consider before public opinion survey results can be trusted as a reputable criminal justice resource, based on the principles of survey research.Discuss how you could use public opinion research in your current or future career path based on its reliability as a resource.Examine the benefits public opinion research would bring to your sector of interest in the criminal justice field versus other more or less reputable research resources.Use scholarly resources riverbend_city_crime_analyst_in_action.doc Unformatted Attachment Preview 1/17/2020 Transcript Riverbend City: Crime Analyst in Action Introduction Andrea Swenson and Chief Edwards are working together on a new data analysis project. This week, review their roles within the Riverbend City police department. Throughout this course, you’ll watch Andrea work through the steps of the research process, which include: Formulating a problem statement Collecting data Understanding data quality and validity Sharing and discussing the findings to interpret and communicate the research report In the next chapter of Andrea’s story, you’ll watch as she works through the problem statement and data collection for a specific assignment. You’ll see how Andrea… Uses data from multiple sources Sources data from ethical and well-designed research Writes effective analysis reports Never a dull moment in the life of a Riverbend City crime analyst! Andrea Swenson, Crime Analyst Andrea Swenson has always wanted to work in law enforcement, but she had no desire to be a sworn officer. Andrea is fascinated with numbers, data, charts, and graphics and has excellent attention to detail. Andrea identifies patterns as they emerge and focuses on crime trends, patterns, and hot spots in the jurisdiction. Education: Bachelors in Criminal Justice Additional certifications/special training: none Roles interact with most often: patrol and command staff As a crime analyst, what concerns you most about crime in Riverbend City? To do a good job as an analyst, I keep emotion or personal opinions out of the job. What I will say is that rapid changes in crime patterns are a challenge. There’s a ripple affect most people would realize, like staff and resource changes… Since I track this information, I’m usually the first one to spot a trend and predict how it might affect the department if it continues. What do you like most about your job? What I do is gather, analyze, and interpret data on crime patterns and trends. I help the department see the big picture so they can strategize how to address crime trends. What I like most is knowing that the information I provide is indispensable to how the department deploys its people and resources. I like playing an important part in the overall strategy. What’s most challenging? I’m very comfortable dealing with data and numbers—that’s one of the main reasons I got into this field. The challenge is that because this information is so important, there’s pressure to get it right—both the reporting and the interpreting. This information affects the lives of real people. What’s a typical day at work like? https://media.capella.edu/CourseMedia/CJ4280/CrimeAnalyst/transcript.html 1/8 1/17/2020 Transcript There’s never a dull moment. Reviewing recent and historical crime data, and creating and maintaining reports is the basis of what I do—including initiating research and locating information sources. I assist officers, sergeants, and other supervisors with the data they need to schedule and direct patrol. I problem-solve as needed for specific investigations to apprehend criminals. And at times, I interact with community groups, provide information for press releases, and work with crime analysts from other law enforcement agencies. What advice would you give to someone choosing this career? You’ve got to be good with numbers, computers, and detail! It’s primarily a desk job, but there’s also a lot of interaction with people. Glen Edwards, Police Chief Glen Edwards has been police chief in Riverbend City for four years. He began his career as a cop working patrol, and soon discovered that both performance and education were important for promotion. He finished his bachelor’s at night while working patrol, and then earned his master’s degree as sergeant, where his skills as a leader were honed and recognized. Glen climbed the ranks to deputy chief. When the former chief retired, Glen was offered the Chief position. Education: Bachelors in Criminal Justice. Master’s in Public Administration Additional certifications/special training: FBI National Academy Roles interact with most often: command staff, union attorneys, city hall, media, community members As Police Chief of Riverbend City, what keeps you up at night? What concerns me most is the safety and welfare of each individual in this city. When the crime rate’s up, you better believe it matters to me. Yeah, and it does keep me up at night. This job is 24/7 anyway. I never stop thinking about it, and in light of the what happened at the prison, it’s very concerning. A lot of things need to change. It’s a complex system, and it’s a process. You can’t just say “tougher sentencing guidelines.” Everything’s related. You pull one thread, and something else gives. What do you like most about your job? There’s so much I like about the job—I wouldn’t trade it for the world. Riverbend City has its problems—don’t get me wrong! But I’ve been here long enough, and know the people so well… It’s just very gratifying to be able to support officers in their work and to see them actually make the community safer. So I’d say, working with officers, and working with community groups. What’s most challenging? Honestly? I’d have to say the politics, the media, and balancing everyone’s different priorities is most challenging. As a police chief, you get pressure from politicians and the media. Make one little mistake—as humans do—and they’re all over it! We keep the best interest of the community at the fore of our decision-making process. But at the same time, our decisions need to promote the mission, vision, and values of the department. Why did you get into this career? I went from patrol to sergeant, and then the opportunity arose for police chief. I knew I wanted a leadership position in the force. I always did my best, and those above me saw and appreciated my work. So I’m lucky to be able to contribute at a higher level, as a leader. Which comes with the opportunity to make changes, to make policing as effective as it can be in this town. Crime is up, and there are complex reasons for that. Ultimately, the buck stops with me, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. What advice would you give to someone choosing this career? As always, keep your record clean. And not only keep it clean, but make it as stellar as you can make it. That includes making smart decisions for your life, like being careful how you use social media. Further your education as much as you can, and get as much experience as you can in different divisions. Look for opportunities to build your leadership skills—in both volunteer and professional realms. Work hard, and you will be recognized. What’s the number one skill required for this job? Your ability to balance competing priorities. You have a lot of balls in the air at any given time, and you got to keep track of ‘em. https://media.capella.edu/CourseMedia/CJ4280/CrimeAnalyst/transcript.html 2/8 1/17/2020 Transcript Problem Statement and Data Collection Andrea Swenson, crime analyst for the Riverbend City police department, was just assigned a new project. Police Chief Glen Edwards has requested that she collect data on the crime rate for home invasion burglaries in Riverbend City. Neighborhood leaders are pushing for more street patrols, so the City Council is working with Chief Edwards to see if crime data will support funding for additional patrols. To drive her research, Andrea formulates the problem statement: Problem Statement: Riverbend city home invasion crimes rates have increased and indicate the need to fund additional street patrols. To get started, Andrea takes a look at national web sites for crime statistics data. Bureau of Justice Statistics (http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/ ) The FBI Federal Bureau of Investigation property crime data (https://www.fbi.gov/about-us/cjis/ucr/crime-in-theu.s/2012/crime-in-the-u.s.-2012/property-crime/property-crime) www.fbi.gov (http://www.fbi.gov) The overall property crime rate is trending downward nationally over a five-year period. This doesn’t support the case to fund additional patrols in the city. Andrea anticipates that some city council members will mention this trend. Property Crime Offense Figure Five-Year Trend, 2009-2013 2009: 9,310,000 2010: 9,150,000 2011: 9,050,000 2012: 9,020,000 2013: 8,650,000 Time for a closer look at the national data to make sure it’s sound. What does the data say about the problem statement, and does the data support the problem statement? These are foundational questions. Andrea’s source for this information is the FBI, so she knows the data she’s looking at is sound and ethical. However, the property crimes data trend is too broad to support her problem statement because Andrea is focused on home invasion burglaries. The next question on Andrea’s mind is data specific to the crime of burglary. She sees that the state burglary rate decreased more than it did on the national level, according to the FBI crime statistics. Again, this doesn’t provide support for her case to request funding for additional patrols. Andrea needs to dig deeper. Area United States Total Year Population Number Rate per 100,000 2012 313,873,685 2,109,932 672.2 2013 316,128,839 1,928,465 610.0 -8.6 -9.3 25,378 471.7 Percent Change State Burglary 2012 5,379,646 https://media.capella.edu/CourseMedia/CJ4280/CrimeAnalyst/transcript.html 3/8 1/17/2020 Transcript Area Year Population 2013 5,420,380 Percent Change Burglary Number Rate per 100,000 22,713 419.0 -10.5 -11.2 What about checking state crime statistics to get data for the districts protected by local law enforcement in her state? Andrea looks at state level property crime statistics and notes the burglary rate and discovers the burglary rate in her state has dropped slightly over the past five years. Yet again, this provides no support for her case to request funding for additional patrols in Riverbend City! Andrea needs to conduct more research. Burglaries by Location 2010-2014 Year Residence Non-Residence 2010 16421 7526 2011 17206 7947 2012 17179 7650 2013 15464 7036 2014 13818 6674 The trail leads to a comparison between the crime index for rural areas and municipalities in her state. Andrea discovers the crime index for municipalities is much higher than the rural areas in her state. This supports her problem statement and the city council’s request for funding more patrols because Riverbend City’s police department is the largest municipal law enforcement agency in the state. Population Group Part 1 (Index) Crimes \% Index Crimes Cleared Murder Rape Group II 1,603 26\% 1 1 Agency (100,000-250,000) Population: 109,325 Rate Per 100,000 1,466 Group III 4,130 5 Agencies (50,000-100,000) Population: 327,119 Rate Per 100,100 1263 Group IV 5,167 25\% 26\% Larceny Motor Vehicle Theft Arson Human trafficking 95 1,366 73 1 0 42.1 86.9 1,249.5 66.8 0.9 0 12 132 754 2,901 229 18 0 24.5 3.7 40.4 230.5 886.8 70.0 5.5 0 140 24 217 1,097 3,331 341 16 0 Robbery Aggravated Assault Burglary 13 8 46 0.9 11.9 7.3 4 80 1.2 1 https://media.capella.edu/CourseMedia/CJ4280/CrimeAnalyst/transcript.html 4/8 1/17/2020 Population Group Transcript Part 1 (Index) Crimes 10 Agencies (25,000-50,000) Population: 345,491 Rate Per 100,000 1,496 Group V 5,683 33 Agencies (10,000-25,000) Population: 560,608 Rate Per 100,000 1014 Group VI & VII 2,426 38 Agencies (Under 10,000) Population: 238,817 Rate Per 100,000 1016 Total 19,009 87 Agencies Population:1,581,360 Rate Per 100,000 1202.0 \% Index Crimes Cleared 31\% 28\% 27\% Robbery 0.3 40.5 6.9 62.8 317.5 964.1 98.7 4.6 0 5 122 13 316 1,421 3,405 378 22 1 0.9 21.8 2.3 56.4 253.5 607.4 67.4 3.9 0.1 2 56 8 253 618 1,341 140 8 0 0.8 23.4 3.3 105.9 258.8 561.5 58.6 3.3 0 13 411 65 964 3,985 12,344 1,161 65 1 0.8 26.0 4.1 61.0 252.0 780.6 73.4 4.1 0.1 Population Group Murder Rape Group I 35,809 18\% 42 2 Agencies (Over 250,000) Population: 690,896 Rate Per 100,000 5183 Group II 2,433 1 Agency (100,000-250,000) Population: 109,675 Rate Per 100,100 2218 Group III 26,321 15 Agencies (50,000-100,000) Population: 992,738 Rate Per 100,000 2,651 Group IV 17,172 16 Agencies (25,000-50,000) Population: 563,928 Rate Per 100,000 3,045 Group V 22,708 34\% 32\% Human trafficking Rape \% Index Crimes Cleared 35\% Arson Murder Part 1 (Index) Crimes 35\% Larceny Motor Vehicle Theft Aggravated Assault Burglary Larceny Motor Vehicle Theft Arson Human trafficking 6,442 19,525 3,539 236 25 424.1 932.4 2,826.0 512.2 34.2 3.6 52 105 338 1,774 110 6 0 41.9 47.4 95.7 308.2 1,617.5 100.3 5.5 0 6 255 444 774 3,056 20,805 908 73 3 0.6 25.7 44.7 78.0 307.8 2,095.7 91.5 7.4 0.3 7 173 242 486 2,207 13,143 868 46 4 1.2 30.7 42.9 86.2 391.4 2,330.6 153.9 8.2 0.7 8 334 233 900 2,886 17,295 956 96 1 Robbery Aggravated Assault Burglary 570 2,525 2,930 6.1 82.5 365.5 2 46 1.8 https://media.capella.edu/CourseMedia/CJ4280/CrimeAnalyst/transcript.html 5/8 1/17/2020 Population Group Transcript Part 1 (Index) Crimes 53 Agencies (10,000-25,000) Population: 915,556 Rate Per 100,000 2,480 Group VI & VII 13,705 130 Agencies (Under 10,000) Population: 617,834 Rate Per 100,000 2218 Total 118,185 217 Agencies Population:3,890,627 Rate Per 100,000 3,037.7 \% Index Crimes Cleared 38\% 29\% Larceny Motor Vehicle Theft Arson Human trafficking Murder Rape Robbery Aggravated Assault 0.9 36.5 25.4 98.3 315.2 1,889.0 104.4 10.5 0.1 4 191 84 448 1,578 10,428 658 314 4 0.6 30.9 13.6 72.5 255.4 1,687.80 106.5 50.8 0.6 69 1,569 3,580 5,643 16,507 82,970 7,039 771 37 1.8 40.3 92.0 145.0 424.3 2,132.6 180.9 19.8 1.0 Burglary Next, Andrea looks at city crime statistics to determine where additional patrols may be most beneficial. She decides to look at crime rates by precinct, and discovers the Fifth Precinct has a high rate of burglary. When you return in another unit to view the next segment of the scenario, you will observe Andrea work though data quality and validity for her project. Data Quality/Validity Anticipating that the City Council will ask about residents’ perceptions versus actual data, Andrea sees she’ll need additional data from Riverbend residents. Is there a direct relationship between the actual crime rate and the perceived crime rate of the residents in the city’s five precincts? She decides to gather self-reported data on home invasions. To do this, Andrea designs a survey to gather self-reported data from residents using both open-ended and closed-ended questions. Using a team of interns and volunteers, Andrea leads multiple surveys using social media, mail, and phone calls. And… the results are in! Comparing the self-reported data with the actual crime data for each precinct, the results show that the less affluent precincts have a moderate burglary rate and a higher perception of the burglary rate than more affluent precincts, which currently have a higher crime rate and the same level of perception of burglary rate as less affluent precincts. Interesting! Data Analysis Andrea compiles the data she has collected and analyzed from the national, state, and local levels as well as the surveys she conducted. Her analysis of the data supports her problem statement! Now, it’s time to prepare the report. https://media.capella.edu/CourseMedia/CJ4280/CrimeAnalyst/transcript.html 6/8 1/17/2020 Transcript The report begins with the story of the data. While property crimes are trending down on a nationwide basis, urban areas in the state have a high rate of property crimes, specifically home invasion burglaries. Upon further drill-down to the precinct level of data in her city, Precinct 5 has a higher level of burglary crimes than the rest of the city. In her report, Andrea proposes to focus additional patrols in Precinct 5. Funding in Precinct 5 will leverage the dollars spent most effectively because of the trending increase in the rate of burglaries. Findings & Discussion Andrea presents her report to Chief Edwards, and discusses her findings with him, including exactly how the data supports her problem statement, as well as a summary of her research findings. Chief Edwards is impressed with Andrea’s findings and decides there’s a strong enough case to ask the City Council for funding to add additional patrols to the Precinct 5. Andrea and Chief Edwards co-present the report and data to the City Council. The City Council votes in favor of the additional funding. The data that supports adding street patrols in the third precinct is well received. Andrea’s survey work especially put the Council at ease because the report acknowledged the residents’ perceptions compared to the data. It was clear that the decision to provide funding for additional patrols in Precinct 5 is supported by data. Now, it’s on to the next project for Andrea! When completing a data analysis project, a few key points to remember are: Use more than one data source. Consider the integrity and appropriateness of data sources. Present findings in a clear and concise report. Take a moment to thoughtfully summarize this scenario. What was the benefit of Andrea using more than one data source? How would you rate the integrity of the data sources Andrea used, and why? Why was it important for Andrea to have a clear and concise report? Credits Subject Matter Expert: Katheryne Davis Interactive Design: Marc Ashmore, Chris Schons Media Instructional Designer: Anne Geske Instructional Designer: Susan Morin Project Manager: Andrea Thompson Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/) https://media.capella.edu/CourseMedia/CJ4280/CrimeAnalyst/transcript.html 7/8 1/17/2020 https://media.capella.edu/CourseMedia/CJ4280/CrimeAnalyst/transcript.html Transcript 8/8 ... Purchase answer to see full attachment