Computer Simulation as a Tool for Environmental Criminologists

Abstract

Computer simulation has had only limited application to the field of criminology, although it is widely utilised in other fields as a powerful experimental tool. Environmental criminologists could utilise this technique to test and refine theory, to anticipate consequences accruing from different intervention choices, and to provide informed policy guidance to crime control agencies. This article sets out the fundamental requirements for development of an agent-based simulation modelling technique that would allow study of the macro-level crime patterns emerging from the micro-level actions of many individual agents, behaving in accordance with rules derived from environmental criminology, human ecology, routine activities theory and situational crime prevention.