Translating Environmental Criminology Theory into Crime Analysis Practice

Abstract

In theory, the concepts of environmental criminology are introduced into the work of police departments by crime analysts. In ideal applications, the analysts use their knowledge of place, opportunity, and the situational nature of crime when assessing criminogenic factors to guide the development of police responses. A test of this theoretical process shows us that there is a disconnection in the transition of knowledge from theory to application. We use a survey of crime analysts to identify sources of this disconnect between the two fields as well as discuss potential remedies to the problem. Increased interaction between the two fields and recognition of the valuable contributions of each will lead to better analysis and problem-solving by both environmental criminologists and crime analysts, and ultimately the reduction and prevention of crime.