tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47573049154487030192024-03-13T22:06:38.566-04:00IACA News and UpdatesThis is the official blog of the International Association of Crime Analysts. News and updates from the IACA will be posted here.The IACAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15040446605243060572noreply@blogger.comBlogger15125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4757304915448703019.post-75918561399528749852012-05-16T15:18:00.001-04:002012-05-16T15:18:22.402-04:00IACA 2012 Conference Survey<div class="MsoNormal">
The 22<sup>nd</sup> Annual Training Conference is
less than four months away and your Conference Committee is hard at work
to make your experience in Henderson and the greater Las Vegas area a
rewarding one both professionally and personally. Great fun is a key
part to a successful conference and to help us better prepare the fun,
we have developed a short survey to help us understand some of things
you may like to see and do while you are in Nevada. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Simply
click on the link below and take a few moments to answer the questions.
Your contributions will go a long way in making the 2012 conference the
best yet.</div>
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<br /></div>
<a href="http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/33SK9VJ" target="_blank">http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/<wbr></wbr>33SK9VJ</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4757304915448703019.post-52056954963473452862012-04-18T09:53:00.000-04:002012-04-18T09:53:14.206-04:00IACA International SymposiumThe IACA International Symposium was held at the Europol Headquarters at The Hague in the Netherlands on April 17-18th. We've posted some photos over at the IACA Facebook page to give you a taste of what you missed if you weren't there.<br />
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You can <a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.417570884937250.110390.181930041834670&type=1">view them here</a>. <br />
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Don't forget, the IACA Annual Training Conference is coming up on September 10-14, 2012 in Henderson, Nevada. More information about the conference <a href="http://iaca.net/conference.asp">can be found here</a>. <br />
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For more news about IACA, follow us <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/International-Association-of-Crime-Analysts/181930041834670">Facebook</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/@crimeanalysts">Twitter</a>, <a href="http://www.linkedin.com/company/international-association-of-crime-analysts">LinkedIn </a>or <a href="https://plus.google.com/110675513178306952258?prsrc=3">Google</a>+.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4757304915448703019.post-88406834520888558842012-03-30T15:30:00.000-04:002012-04-03T13:26:22.978-04:002012 IACA Conference SpeakersThe IACA is proud to announce Dr. Rachel Boba Santos has agreed to present at the <a href="http://iaca.net/conference.asp">2012 IACA Training Conference</a> to be held September 10-14, 2012 at The Ravella at Lake Las Vegas! <br />
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Dr. Boba Santos will present twice at the conference. First, by request, her immensely popular presentation, "A Structure for Crime Analysis Results: Product Examples by Purpose, Scope, and Audience" which was presented to a packed room at the 2011 MAPS Conference in Miami. Second, Dr. Boba Santos will present "Fusion Center Analysis: A Model for Structure and Sample Products" to highlight work being conducted by fusion center analysts. Dr. Boba Santos has also agreed to participate in our open-forum "Ask The Expert" sessions. And, at our request, she will hold a book signing for her book, "Crime Analysis with Crime Mapping, 3rd Edition" released this month from Sage Publications. <br />
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Joining already announced keynotes Dr. John Eck and Dr. Cynthia Lum, along with a plenary session featuring The Innocence Project, the IACA continues to build an agenda for a conference you are not going to want to miss! <br />
<br />
2012 IACA Training Conference <br />
Dates: September 10-14, 2012 <br />
Location: The Ravella at Lake Las Vegas <br />
Early Registration Fees: $400/$450 (member/non) <br />
Hotel: $119 plus tax (IACA block only) <br />
Hotel Shuttle to/from Airport: $30 each way <br />
<br />
Registration Opens Soon! Watch the <a href="http://iaca.net/">IACA website</a> for details!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4757304915448703019.post-10595791779667839462012-03-20T18:16:00.001-04:002012-03-20T18:16:54.061-04:00Crime Analysts Don't Come in a Box<div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">When I was a young crime analysis intern in the early 1990s, my first assignment was to analyze two years’ of bicycle theft data in Cambridge, Massachusetts. I printed off a list of more than 500 from the old Wang mainframe and started the long process of reading each address, determining its location on the large paper map that took up one wall, and dotting it up with a magic maker. More than two weeks later, I finally had the full map. I then set about creating charts of the top times of day and days of week—which, of course, I drew by hand on graph paper. The whole analysis took about three weeks and resulted in a two-page report.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmE38lICKs5cyA96W8VjzeLJP25LUq4GnoLxX5kwihpQZdGo4P8E-hrApnjWRCH_vPAL07zlxq6QNnlzBd2qPw8arB2emasCH309_5-xwQEY9Zbn78Cb7ZzndL3b3TFvPRKYazNsHZgko/s1600/papercrimebulletin.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmE38lICKs5cyA96W8VjzeLJP25LUq4GnoLxX5kwihpQZdGo4P8E-hrApnjWRCH_vPAL07zlxq6QNnlzBd2qPw8arB2emasCH309_5-xwQEY9Zbn78Cb7ZzndL3b3TFvPRKYazNsHZgko/s400/papercrimebulletin.png" width="322" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Part of me will always miss these days.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Today, I or any one of you could do the same analysis in about 5 minutes, and most of that would be spent waiting for the GIS application to launch. A few technologies—data querying, spreadsheets, and mapping—have resulted in a net savings to police departments of 2 weeks, 4 days, 7 hours, and 55 minutes.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">The Cambridge Police Department did not, with this extra time, conclude that they could do with only 0.2% of their analytical staffing. Nor did many crime analysts, in the post-desktop-computing revolution, do all their work before morning coffee and spend the rest of the week playing video games. Instead, we adapted to this time savings by doing more. Analysis is fundamentally a process of asking the right questions, finding answers, and using those answers to ask more questions. In 1994, I could only ask three questions:</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> </div><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span>Where are the bicycle thefts occurring?</li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span>What hours of the day are they occurring?</li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span>What days of the week are they occurring?</li>
</ul><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">In 2011, given the same overall task, I could ask dozens more questions. I could analyze all potential factors, including type of location, victim and offender characteristics, bicycle makes and models, lock type and status, and recovery data. I could cross-tabulate these various characteristics and look for correlations between, say, location and time, or time and day. I could use known offender information to construct a crime travel demand model. I could collect data on bicycle sales from second-hand shops and search for known offenders.<br />
<br />
More important, I could get myself out of the damned office and engage in some true problem analysis on bicycle theft. I could speak to victims and ask about their locking habits. I could study environmental variables in the theft hot spots. I could interview known bicycle thieves about their <i>modus operandi</i>. And I could search the literature to figure out what other agencies had successfully done to prevent bicycle theft. I could use this additional information to make explicit recommendations for enforcement and prevention.<br />
<br />
There are, in short, plenty of ways to fill the “saved” 2.98 weeks, even if I did nothing but continue to analyze bicycle theft with it. In reality, of course, we’ve used this saved time to analyze things we never had a chance to analyze before. When I started as a crime analyst, almost all analysts kept lists of five or six “target crimes” on which they spent most of their time. Now, thanks to technology, I find analysts analyzing all sorts of things that we would have laughed about in the 1980s and early 1990s: noise complaints, domestic disputes, traffic collisions, parking complaints, and so on. The entire discipline of problem analysis was virtually impossible in the per-technology era because we were spending too much time putting pins in maps and logging crimes in paper matrices to do anything qualitative.<br />
<br />
Never once, in that era of transition to desktop computing, did I hear any analyst, officer, or chief suggest that ArcView or Microsoft Excel was going to render analysts obsolete. It would have been absurd. Technology does not decrease the need for analysis; rather, by saving time and effort, it empowers analysts to a greater degree of breadth and depth. By making certain tasks of analysis unnecessary, technology does not make analysis itself unnecessary.<br />
<br />
Analogues abound in other areas of policing and society. No one hawks telephone reporting or online reporting as replacements for police officers; instead, they allow police officers to focus on things that make better use of their skill sets. Computers in cars have not eliminated the need for mechanics. The existence of thousands of web sites devoted to home improvement did not make it any less advisable to call a professional contractor when I had to re-do my kitchen. All of these individuals, like crime analysts, offer a service that cannot be shifted to any technological solution.<br />
<br />
Of course, most of you are nodding along—after all, you’re analysts. “Christopher,” you’re saying patiently, “You’re preaching to the choir.”<br />
<br />
But actually, if you’re an analyst, I’m not really talking to you. I’m writing this message, instead, for a handful of companies who, in the last few years, have been increasingly selling their products as “replacements” for actual crime analysts—who think that by making mapping, charting, and statistics easier for the analyst—or other members of the agency—they are obviating the analyst.<br />
<br />
I am writing to companies who have used phrases like “crime analyst in a box” to describe their software, or who say that it “allows any member of the police department to be a crime analyst,” or who tout to the media that a crime analyst costs $70,000 per year but the software can be had for only $30,000.<br />
<br />
Listen up.<br />
<br />
I used to spend a lot of time pushing pins into paper. When GIS systems came along, I didn’t have to do that anymore, so I was able to spend my time making more advanced thematic maps for my executives and officers. Then you came along with special crime mapping packages that allowed them to make some of those maps themselves, so I was able to research and learn about spatial statistics and apply the right hot spot technique to the right map. You’re doing some of that, too, now, so I’m spending time learning Crime Travel Demand and Risk Terrain Modeling.<br />
<br />
I used to spend a lot of time keeping logs of crime series on paper matrices. Then you gave me data querying technologies that allowed me to generate dynamic matrices from my RMS. That was great—I could spend more time chasing leads on potential suspects and developing known offender files. You came along with software that linked intelligence from multiple sources, so I re-directed my time to advanced temporal and spatial forecasting models. <br />
<br />
Throughout this evolution, my professional association has made this development possible with literature, training, peer networking, and the sharing of ideas over our discussion list. It’s kept up with your technology—while still providing basic training to analysts who don’t have it yet. And the more you provide, the more we will to continue to advance. We will never be obsolete.<br />
<br />
I would encourage you to take a lesson from the web site WebMD, which, while providing a host of diagnostic tools, says:</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><blockquote class="tr_bq"><div class="MsoNormal">This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.</div></blockquote></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Or, perhaps, look to the web site FindLaw:</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><blockquote class="tr_bq"><div class="MsoNormal">We try to provide quality information, but we make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to this web site and its associated sites. As legal advice must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case, and laws are constantly changing, nothing provided herein should be used as a substitute for the advice of competent counsel.</div></blockquote></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">I know you have to look out for your bottom line. I don’t expect you to convince chiefs that they need analysts more than they need your software—that’s our job. I don’t expect you to refuse to sell your analysis tools to agencies that don’t have a full time analyst. But I do expect you to stop suggesting that your product takes the place of an analyst. Analysts do not simply generate numbers and maps; they provide context and interpretation. They fuse quantitative and qualitative data, and they serve as expert consultants to their agencies on what does and doesn’t work for various problems. Many of them are pioneering models that predict future crime, triage the use of resources, and identify high-volume offenders. But they only learned how to do these things by first getting their hands dirty doing the things that you’re telling agencies they don’t need an analyst to do. Our jobs are to take the data that your software provides and to dig deeper. If you provide software that does some of that deeper digging for us, then we’ll dig deeper still.<br />
<br />
Crime analysis will always have a love-hate relationship with emerging technologies, but it’s more love than hate. Your technologies allow us to have a much greater effect on crime and disorder in our communities than we were able to have when this profession started. Most of the discussion at crime analysis conferences these days centers on how to best employ technologies. We respect what you’ve done for us. Respect us in turn. Crime analysis does not, and never will, come in a box.<br />
<br />
Christopher W. Bruce<br />
President<br />
International Association of Crime Analysts </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"></div>The IACAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15040446605243060572noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4757304915448703019.post-58075707443681349422012-02-08T15:28:00.000-05:002012-02-08T15:28:48.837-05:00My Last Year<div style="text-align: justify;">Within a couple of weeks, the IACA will announce the appointment of an Elections Committee, and we will begin receiving nominations for all five board positions for the 2013-2015 board term. For me, this process drives home that this is my final year as IACA president. Leading this organization has been the best position I have ever held, or could ever imagine holding, and I can't tell you how I'm going to miss it.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I think I can speak for all board members and all committee members, current and past, when I say that you never accomplish as much as you hope to. In recent months, my mind has turned to how much time I have left, and what I want to accomplish with the rest of it.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-yb2NxYLLD4dLsCt_G1ijVn1JSOEriPn5PkDAgn978e28Z89CuE0VZ8E9ulEb1nOz-zVPXTbIlVqyd5VwRNiAFi7mRw9B-Ny2fX6L9XwDh4hmWF_JA5dkcN_fZihrfbWWbIulHPBbN2w/s1600/oldplan.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-yb2NxYLLD4dLsCt_G1ijVn1JSOEriPn5PkDAgn978e28Z89CuE0VZ8E9ulEb1nOz-zVPXTbIlVqyd5VwRNiAFi7mRw9B-Ny2fX6L9XwDh4hmWF_JA5dkcN_fZihrfbWWbIulHPBbN2w/s400/oldplan.PNG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A long-forgotten document.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Our Vice President of Administration, Susan Smith, e-mailed me a few days ago and said she'd found a "strategic plan" that I'd put together as part of my 2006 campaign. I had forgotten about it and, when she mentioned it, I was afraid to look at it. I didn't want to be reminded of all the visions I had that didn't come true. But then, today, I had a phone conversation with her, and she said, "You really need to read it." So, with trepidation, I did. And within minutes, my trepidation vanished and was replaced with awe. I had really not taken into account everything that this great, all-volunteer association had managed to accomplish in the last six years.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I did the strategic plan as a SWOT assessment. Check out some of the things I wrote about the association in 2006:</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li><i>"The IACA has never had much savoir-faire when it comes to managing its human resources...many of our committees suffer from lack of management...We generally rely on too few individuals to carry the bulk of work for the organization...We have generally failed to create and manage coherent, long range plans, including project plans and budgets."</i> I'm not saying we're doing perfect in this regard, but wow have things improved. We have so many committees, and committee members, now that I struggle to keep track of them all. Each of them has a charter and budget, and the organization as a whole has a comprehensive budget. </li>
</ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li><i>"There is not a sense that the IACA is a very 'active' organization...We generally have few significant projects in the works at any given time."</i> I had forgotten about that. Back in 2006, we were struggling just to manage our annual conference and our fledgling certification program. Since then, we developed our Professional Training Series, our international symposiums, webinars, publications, the Standards, Methods, and Technologies committee, our Crime Analysis Unit Development Center, online training, and one of the best web sites of any nonprofit organization. </li>
</ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li><i>"Despite our name, the IACA has never been truly 'international.' At most, we represent analysts in English-speaking nations, but we remain remote from even many of these."</i> We still have a long way to go in this area, but I have to take pride in how far we've come. Our international membership has grown to encompass 41 nations. We've held our first international symposiums and established strong partnerships in Europe, South America, and the Caribbean. And we just formed an International Outreach Committee to better serve analysts around the globe. </li>
</ul><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3qRdG8d4M3L8hAo_NMgH3233TR9CyGrzc8riYRqZ2FlQ_4GqnwF_CqmklPP1GYhywu0m974i8krW-WejCSXXFClA90H8aUos0o7BHS-FVO8k-MBsJSjZwf0adk_wOlLcrAtIvP_M6F54/s1600/IMG_0018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3qRdG8d4M3L8hAo_NMgH3233TR9CyGrzc8riYRqZ2FlQ_4GqnwF_CqmklPP1GYhywu0m974i8krW-WejCSXXFClA90H8aUos0o7BHS-FVO8k-MBsJSjZwf0adk_wOlLcrAtIvP_M6F54/s400/IMG_0018.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Our first international symposium in Vancouver was a big leap forward for the association.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">In the document, I proposed 21 action points for the coming years. I was surprised and happy to see that 14 of them have come to fruition, including a significant expansion in committees, an expansion of the leadership team, a better system of benefits for committee service, a crime analysis census (though we need to repeat it), a fundraising committee, a large Publications Committee, more partnerships with other organizations, a Professional Training Series, expansion of our certification process, more awards, more member benefits, better marketing of the profession to chief executives, the establishment of a committee much like our Standards, Methods, and Technologies Commmittee, greater internationalization, and continual improvements in our annual conferences.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Some of the ones that didn't happen strike me as a bit odd now. I proposed a gradual increase in the membership dues to $75 per year, concurrent with the introduction of new benefits and services. This will come as a shock to those board members who have heard me argue against <i>any </i>increase in dues for the entirety of my term. I'm not sure what I was thinking back then. I also proposed that we collect "historical documents, recollections and stories, and artifacts" of the profession and establish a Museum of Crime Analysis, which may be the silliest idea I've ever had.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3CWQY4deKnhAi1UbcU2Aw3EAV4Yuf1VvShwtqWlgmT6Cbid23S_vWM2kD_eKOeWrrCY6XiVqYMC3a0-OyUimwy09kr8XS5xmuAKgZ50IGeay028Oj28cK3OssR6mUPgC05m2noD4dENI/s1600/stratplanning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3CWQY4deKnhAi1UbcU2Aw3EAV4Yuf1VvShwtqWlgmT6Cbid23S_vWM2kD_eKOeWrrCY6XiVqYMC3a0-OyUimwy09kr8XS5xmuAKgZ50IGeay028Oj28cK3OssR6mUPgC05m2noD4dENI/s400/stratplanning.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The board and committees in the throes of strategic planning in 2009. Jim Mallard has just taken offense to something I said and is about to strangle me with his power cord. I still have the ligature marks.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Most of the other things that didn't happen have to do with organizational management, and I'm disappointed I didn't push harder here. I wanted yearly strategic planning sessions and formal training in nonprofit management for board members. We made an attempt at strategic planning in 2008, but I bollixed it all up, and it never went anywhere after that. This is an organization of 2,500 members, with a budget of nearly $300,000 per year, run entirely by well-meaning but untrained volunteers. It's a miracle we haven't had management, liability, tax, contract, or other problems faced by such organizations, and I would really recommend some kind of formal training for the next board.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I should mention that, when it comes to the successes of the past six years, I am not in any way taking credit. I'm glad to have been there, and to have facilitated what I could, but nearly every one of our accomplishments has been due to someone else's hard work. In some cases, I think I probably got in their way. In the chaos of day-to-day management, we sometimes forget what excellent, dedicated people we have serving on our board and committees. I don't say that to flatter. I look across this association and I see such intelligence and talent that it's staggering.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Together, we've accomplished great things, and we've raised the profile and professionalism of this field. In my last eight months with you, I want to try to squeeze out a little more. In addition to the continued progress of our many committees, I'm setting the following things as personal goals for the remainder of 2012, and I welcome any advice or assistance that you care to offer.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">1. It's high time that we had a <b>wiki</b>. There have been attempts made on this before, but nothing that's come to fruition. I want a place where we can collectively pool our knowledge on the terms and concepts of our field--a place where, if you're attending a conference or reading a publication or Discussion List posting, and you encounter an unfamiliar phrase, you can quickly look up a concise, informative, and free definition.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">2. While this field has made a lot of progress in various technical areas, I think we've continually lagged in the application of <b>advanced statistical models</b> to our data. There are better ways to measure change than percent change, better ways to predict the future than simple linear regression and moving averages, and better ways to evaluate than...well, really anything that most of us are doing. 49 years after the origin of the profession, it's absurd that we still haven't come to a resolution on issues like the minimum sample size we need for a spatial and temporal forecast, or whether we can use standard deviation as a predictive measure. I'd like to find a way to gather statisticians and practitioners and take a good look at what we're not using, what we're under-using, and what we're mis-using, and work towards better statistical literature for our field.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">3. We had a <b>professional census</b> in 2008, but it only covered the United States, and it's four years out of date by now anyway. We need a method for an ongoing, regularly-updated survey of how many analysts exist, what their job functions are, how much they get paid, and other key variables.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">It's a modest but reasonable list, and if I can make progress in all of them, I'll consider my last year a success.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I look forward to spending the next eight months working with you, and I hope I see as many of you as possible in Henderson. Thank you for being such a great association of which to be president.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Sincerely,</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Christopher W. Bruce</div><div style="text-align: justify;">President</div><div style="text-align: justify;">International Association of Crime Analysts</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div>The IACAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15040446605243060572noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4757304915448703019.post-18403936161241890232011-10-12T16:36:00.001-04:002011-10-13T14:21:04.920-04:00Announcing - 2011 IACA Bulletin and Analytical Product Contest Winners!Each year, the IACA holds a contest for members to submit their fabulous analytical products for a chance to win! These are products that they’ve prepared in the course of the year which have been distributed within their respective agencies to assist in or in support of an investigation. The official announcements were made on site during the annual training conference which was held this year in Hyannis, MA. This is a follow-up notice to inform our entire membership body of the exciting results.<br />
<br />
First, a huge thanks to all who participated in the 2011 IACA Bulletin and Analytical Products Contest! If you were not a winner this time, try again next year as there were some very outstanding product submissions.<br />
<br />
This year’s products were judged by the following panel of judges: Stacie Snow, Ventura County SD (CA), Shefali Tripathi, Gainesville PD (FL) and Mary Bertuccelli, Scottsdale PD (AZ). It is important to note that if anyone entering the contest was from a judges respective agency, the judge was removed from judging that category and Albert Mesa, Ventura County SD (Interim Awards Committee Chair) stepped in as the alternate judge. Tiana Antul, Worchester PD (MA) was our conference committee liaison and assisted on site. Thank you so much everyone, for your contribution to this event!<br />
<br />
The winners of the 2011 IACA Bulletin and Analytical Products Contest are as follows:<br />
<br />
<strong>Charting Category:</strong><br />
1st - David McClocklin, Ontario Provincial Police (Canada)<br />
2nd - Jessica LeBlanc, Fairfax Police Department (VA)<br />
3rd - Michelle Comeau, Center for Public Safety Initiative (NY)<br />
<br />
<strong>Intelligence Category:</strong><br />
1st - Adrian Martin, Rochester Police Department (NY)<br />
2nd - Sabrina Potts, Shawnee Police Department (KS)<br />
3rd - Kellen Crouse, Albany Crime Analysis Center (NY)<br />
<br />
<strong>Statistical Category:</strong><br />
1st - Kyle Stoker, Raytown Police Department (MO)<br />
2nd - Leslie Morris, Albany Crime Analysis Center (NY)<br />
3rd - Crime Analysis Unit c/o Lt. Daniel Wagner, Cambridge Police Department (MA)<br />
<br />
<strong>Mapping Category:</strong><br />
1st - Scott Peacock, Walmart Asset Protection Investigations (AR)<br />
2nd - Jessica LeBlanc, Fairfax Police Department (VA)<br />
3rd - Ailsa DeVictoria, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (CA)<br />
<br />
<strong>Tactical Category:</strong><br />
1st - Mike Winslow, Scottsdale Police Department (AZ)<br />
2nd - Anne-Laure Del Cerro, Albany Crime Analysis Center (NY)<br />
3rd - Zarine Hussain, Naperville Police Department (IL)<br />
<br />
I can't thank the judges and committee members enough for all the time and effort that went into the contest preparation & reviewing all the submissions. We received 72 submissions this year, I’m told it was the highest in the history of the contest.<br />
<br />
TACTICAL CRIME BULLETINS – 25 ENTRIES<br />
CRIME/INTELLIGENCE CHARTING – 6 ENTRIES<br />
CRIME MAPPING – 17 ENTRIES<br />
STATISTICAL REPORTS – 15 ENTRIES<br />
INTELLIGENCE PRODUCTS – 9 ENTRIES<br />
<br />
If you are interested in seeing the winning products from this year’s bulletin contest, they are located on the IACA website. <a href="http://www.iaca.net/conference_materials.asp">http://www.iaca.net/conference_materials.asp</a> <br />
<br />
<br />
You must be logged in to access this page.<br />
This information is found on the website under Events> Conference> Conference Presentations.<br />
Search for: Year=2011, Category=Bulletins Contest<br />
Some items, particularly those in the charting category are larger files and may take a while to download or open.<br />
<br />
If you were a winner who did not attend the conference and have not yet received your certificate, or award (1st place winners), please contact me at vp-membership@iaca.net . I look forward to increased participation in the contest next year!The IACAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15040446605243060572noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4757304915448703019.post-62411768978158475522011-09-09T10:29:00.001-04:002011-09-09T10:36:15.131-04:00An Historical Moment! IACA Exceeds 2000 Members!I am absolutely excited to announce an historical moment for the IACA and our members! This week,<strong> the number of active members hit a record 2000</strong>, and is still climbing.<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrNwLrYSeTwBi29SNF2qNQIoVUql0h_Hl1Vql-mEkv3pBHSCqMj5N6gt9BecrNdTYdggDDS5gC5LHHrRxjHpEPUSJn-zQ52cMh94ACqWI1iUMM912plyGmJpTBzDjkgw3_uHceaXs_sVs/s1600/Membership91011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="185" nba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrNwLrYSeTwBi29SNF2qNQIoVUql0h_Hl1Vql-mEkv3pBHSCqMj5N6gt9BecrNdTYdggDDS5gC5LHHrRxjHpEPUSJn-zQ52cMh94ACqWI1iUMM912plyGmJpTBzDjkgw3_uHceaXs_sVs/s400/Membership91011.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">We can attribute the success of our growing membership to a number of things, but most importantly it is due to developing and maintaining positive relationships with dedicated members who are passing the knowledge of the IACA along to others.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">In addition to the number of members overall, this past year we have seen a growth in the number of international members. In July of 2010 there were 29 countries represented with active membership; and in only a year <strong>we have grown to have active representation in 37 countries</strong>.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiih9xBmZm8vU09RnFc9tbTZANpK5I1yW7wDLhH7tOWDSYX6Q0dwqzmUTVJEk8ra1X8qfWEECVsBxDuR9Shj7fU3sn6Vegd6p4QKKfpFPtweu1HQB87OKHgSg5OZHgkozI4LIafOw0N41k/s1600/International.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="176" nba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiih9xBmZm8vU09RnFc9tbTZANpK5I1yW7wDLhH7tOWDSYX6Q0dwqzmUTVJEk8ra1X8qfWEECVsBxDuR9Shj7fU3sn6Vegd6p4QKKfpFPtweu1HQB87OKHgSg5OZHgkozI4LIafOw0N41k/s400/International.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I encourage everyone of you to keep up the great work! Continue spreading the news in regards to the benefits of becoming a member of the IACA, and I look forward to seeing many of you in Hyannis, MA at the upcoming <a href="http://www.iaca.net/conference.asp">annual training conference</a>. <br />
<br />
Ericka Jackson, IACA VP of Membership<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>The IACAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15040446605243060572noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4757304915448703019.post-47203470972635267882011-08-22T19:17:00.000-04:002011-08-22T19:17:33.581-04:00Getting the Most out of the IACA Conference<i>We're only one month from the 21st annual IACA conference! I look forward to seeing you in one of my favorite places.</i><br />
<br />
<i>I wrote the following tips prior to the 2008 IACA conference in Florida. I have updated and revised them for this year. I hope they help you get the most out of your conference attendance.</i><br />
<i> </i><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">I attended my first IACA conference in Milwaukee in 1997. I remember it well. I was young and socially awkward. I didn’t understand a lot of the training. I met a few people but didn’t really make any lasting contacts. I came back with pages full of notes that I didn’t know how to implement. Frankly, it was only the San Diego locale that drew me back in 1998, and only the opportunity to give a presentation that made me return in 1999 to Baltimore. That conference was the turning point: I made my first crime analysis friends, presented for the first time, developed an effective way to capture ideas, and finally began to see what the IACA was all about.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">I don’t want it to take three years for you. Every year, I despair that new members come to the conference for the first time, don’t make any contacts, don’t find any training relevant to them, don’t take anything back to their agencies, and don’t see any reason to return next year. If you’re new to the IACA, or your involvement hasn’t gelled yet, these are my top tips for getting the most out of the conference.</div><ul><li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Go to Classes. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></b>Dowtown Hyannis will beckon, but it will be much more enjoyable as a reward for a hard day’s work than as a place to play hooky. </li>
</ul><ul><li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Choose a mix of classes</b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">.</i> At the IACA conference, you will find some classes on techniques (“Risk Terrain Modeling for Spatial Risk Assessment”; “Using Geographic Profiling as an Investigative Tool”), concepts (“Creating a Master Crime Analysis Database”; ”Using Smart Policing to Enhance Crime Analysis”), the profession and its resources (“Role of Crime Analysis in Hard Economic Times”; “Grants and Crime Analysis”), and the criminal environment (“Foreclosures and Crime”; “Abatement of Problem Motels”). Try to split your attention among them. Within these categories, assess your own knowledge and experience with the topics covered and determine if you are <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">fluent</i> in them, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">familiar</i> with them, or <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">flummoxed</i> by them. I recommend spending 60% of your time in the “familiar” classes; they’ll start with a foundation that you already know and introduce new ideas and techniques. Spend 20% among topics in which you are “fluent”; they’re confidence-builders and the instructor may surprise you with a few new ideas. Allot the final 20% to classes that “flummox” you; they’ll inspire you with possibilities, and you’ll make them your “familiars” in one or two years. </li>
</ul><ul><li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Don’t Take Notes; Make Lists</b>. The presenters’ points will be covered in handouts, articles, and other resources. Don’t try to outline everything they say. Instead, keep a series of lists in your notebook: things to do, books to read, web sites to visit, resources to investigate, and people to contact. Listen to the presentations, think about how they relate to your work and your life, and add things to your lists as they occur to you. I come back with at least four pages worth of action items from every conference. </li>
</ul><ul><li> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Be a Good Audience Member.</b> The speaker in front of you isn’t some paid professional; she’s one of your professional colleagues. She’s probably nervous, which doubtless you would be if you were up there speaking instead of sitting in the audience, smugly counting her “ums.” Help her out instead. Sit towards the front, try to focus on substance instead of style, keep eye contact, smile and nod when she says something you agree with, try to at least look like you’re writing things down, and see if the world will survive without your sending a text message every 45 seconds. </li>
</ul><ul><li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Compose a Three-Sentence Introduction</b>. Networking is mostly about conversations, and when conversations fail to take hold, networking opportunities are lost. Give them something to grab on to. Your name and agency aren’t enough; write out a three-sentence introduction that encapsulates who you are, where you’re from, and what you’re doing there. (In career development circles, they call this an “elevator speech.”) This would be mine if I was new to the IACA: “I’m Christopher Bruce. I live in New Hampshire, but I travel around the country, providing analytical support to agencies who have adopted the Data-Driven Approaches to Crime and Traffic Safety model. I’m here hoping to hear analysts’ experiences with traffic analysis.” If my new acquaintance can’t think of anything to say about New England, travel, DDACTS, or traffic analysis, then he’s just hopeless. </li>
</ul><ul><li> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Make an Effort to Meet Someone New.</b> It’s easy, once you’ve met a few people, to spend all of your time in their company. This goes for both new and veteran attendees. Don’t let it happen. Seek out at least one new person each day and give your three-sentence introduction, and make sure you go to a meal with an unfamiliar crowd at least once during the week. At the very least, seek <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">me</i> out and introduce yourself, because I want to meet everyone. </li>
</ul><ul><li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Backs of Business Cards Are for Writing. </b>When you get back to the office, you’ll hopefully have a stack of business cards, and you won’t remember who gave you each one. Scrawl liberally on the backs of them the moment they’re handed to you—appearances, impressions, what you talked about, what they promised you, what you promised them, what you want to say in your follow-up (see below). </li>
</ul><ul><li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Attend the Annual Meeting.</b> It’s more than just financial updates and membership counts: it’s your chance to lend your voice to IACA goals. This year, we’ll be talking about new and ongoing projects such as training, certification, and publications. We want your comments and questions. Also, several of your colleagues will be receiving awards. Actually, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">you </i>might be receiving an award, and it’s always embarrassing when you don’t show up. </li>
</ul><ul><li> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Record and Follow-Up with the Contacts You Made</b>. Send a quick e-mail to each person you met, refer to the topics you discussed, send along a copy of your bulletin or whatever resources they might like, and give them your full contact information. Then record their information in your contacts list. And take this trip from an old pro: use the “notes” field to write down what they looked like and sounded like; you’ll need this information next year. </li>
</ul><ul><li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Send a Conference Report to Your Boss.</b> When you get back from the conference, send a follow-up to your boss outlining what training you attended and what you got out of it, ideas you’ve developed, resources you found, and any other information that will help show that when <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">you </i>go to a conference, you come back with more than souvenirs and a golfing trophy. These days, everyone’s competing for training funds. Make them see how investment in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">your </i>professional development pays off.</li>
</ul><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Give these techniques a try, and I think September 19-23 will be the best four days of your professional year. I look forward to seeing you all in just a few short weeks!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Sincerely,</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Christopher W. Bruce</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">President</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">International Association of Crime Analysts</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><i> </i>The IACAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15040446605243060572noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4757304915448703019.post-8479715876299687512011-06-21T13:31:00.000-04:002011-06-21T13:31:32.866-04:00IACA VP of Membership Announcements & Volunteer OpportunitiesHi Members,<br />
<br />
<br />
As many of you are aware, the IACA is operated by a group of volunteer professionals who have a vested interest in law enforcement analysis. Most of us are or have at one point in our careers worked as analysts or are affiliated with analysis in some way, shape or form. The amount of work involved in managing an international association of this size is insurmountable, however our volunteers (board members, committee members, presenters, chairs, webmaster, etc.) put their all into what they do. On behalf of the IACA Executive Board – Thank You so much for your contributions to bettering law enforcement analysis worldwide.<br />
<br />
We are implementing more ways to ensure that YOU (our members) are actively engaged, involved and taking advantage of the benefits that come with being a part of this association. As Vice President of Membership, I am doing my best to be your voice and to ensure that your needs are being addressed in all areas possible. I encourage you to continue to share your ideas, talents and concerns with us as we are always looking for ways to enhance this wonderful association. The following are a few important announcements and additional opportunities for you to become involved in the IACA!<br />
<br />
IACA’s Analyst Mentoring Program: Please congratulate and welcome Sheena Lovette, Crime Analysis Supervisor at Orange County Sheriff’s Dept. (Orlando, FL) as the Chair of the IACA’s analyst mentoring program. This program is designed for new analysts to pair up with experienced analysts in or near their areas. It affords you an immediate point of contact for a specified period of time and you are able to be comfortable asking the many questions we all once faced when entering the field of analysis. In order for this to work, we are seeking individuals who are willing to serve as IACA Mentors… Help a new member analyst, by opening your world up to an occasional analytical question via an email. <br />
<br />
IACA’s Awards Committee: Since May 2009, the awards committee has been operated by Chair Amanda Carr at Ventura County SD (CA), and two Committee Members Kristen Jacoby of Denver PD (CO) and Albert Mesa of Ventura SD (CA). Amanda and Kristen are both moving on to bigger and better projects, thank you for your work with the Awards Committee over the past two years. With that said, we are looking for members interested in assisting on this committee in the capacity of Chair or as Committee Members. This committee oversees, administers and insures the integrity of various IACA awards, oversee the evaluation and judging of the IACA bulletin contests, finds fun motivating ways to recognize the contributions to the profession of Crime Analysis.<br />
<br />
International Outreach Committee: This is a very new and exciting committee to further promote our presence worldwide. This committee would be most effective if consisted of representatives from various countries. Those representatives must be fluent in English and where applicable also fluent in your countries primary language. You must be willing to serve as liaisons between the IACA Board, various IACA committees and members of your country. Your help is needed with communicating the needs of analysts from your country, collaboration regarding training opportunities, providing recommendations and assistance as it relates to the translation of IACA resources, marketing to further promote the IACA in various areas of the world. Much of our work will be done via conference calls, web-based communications, and when possible at designated international conference events. Those interested in serving as International Outreach Committee (IOC) Chair(s) or IOC Members will help us take IACA to the next level of international involvement.<br />
<br />
Those interested in any of the committees and positions stated above, please submit a notice of interest to vp-membership@iaca.net before deadline of Friday, July 8, 2011. A single (8 ½ x 11) page should capture all: Section 1: Committee and position you are interested in, Section 2: full name, agency (if applicable), complete physical address (country included), contact phone & email address Section 3: Tell me briefly how you can contribute Section 4: Bulleted list of your relevant qualifications<br />
<br />
Once initial committee selections are made we will notify the membership. There may be additional opportunities on these same committees at a later date. These positions are voluntary as well. Pre-determined IACA Benefit Levels may be relevant in some positions and can be further discussed with each candidate prior to their commitment. Thanks so much and I look forward to hearing from you!<br />
<br />
Ericka Jackson <br />
VP of MembershipThe IACAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15040446605243060572noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4757304915448703019.post-5071536124081430252011-06-07T01:01:00.003-04:002011-06-07T22:27:21.771-04:00Vancouver and Santiago Symposiums Establish Successful Models for Future<div style="text-align: justify;">Deciding where to hold the Annual Training Conference is a tough battle between mission and economics. While our mission makes us, of course, an "international" organization, the inescapable economic fact is that more than 85% of our members are from the United States, and most of them would not be able to travel out of the county for the annual conference. When we researched this issue a few years ago to determine if we could realistically hold the 2010 conference in Vancouver--just an hour from the United States border--we concluded that doing so would essentially be economic suicide. And, of course, we would leave most of our U.S. members without an annual conference that they normally look forward to.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">But having all of our events in the United States seemed uncomfortably insular, especially with that "I" sitting conspicuously in front of our acronym. So we took inspiration from a much larger organization that has wrestled with the same problem: The International Association of Chiefs of Police. Although their international membership, and their overall resources, are much greater than the IACA, they still choose to hold their main annual conference in the U.S. every year. To salve this sting, they also hold separate, smaller, "<a href="http://www.theiacp.org/Conferences/InternationalConference/tabid/153/Default.aspx">international conferences</a>" each year. In 2009, they were in Estonia and Taiwan; in 2008, it was Qatar, Brazil, and Turkey.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Our reasoning, like the IACP's, was that if we couldn't realistically hope to have our main conference outside the United States, that we could at least have smaller conferences--we decided to call them "symposiums"--that would provide some IACA presence and service where we don't normally go. In April this year, we had two: one in Santiago, Chile, and one in Vancouver, British Columbia. Each used a slightly different model of development and administration, but both were successful and bode will for the future.<br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We can't really take credit for the Chilean symposium. It was not our idea but theirs, and all the logistics and administration were taken care of by our partner, <a href="http://www.pazciudadana.cl/">Fundación Paz Ciudadana</a>, a nonprofit organization that performs research into public policy issues for criminal justice agencies in Chile. They work closely with the two major Chilean police forces (the Carabineros and the Policía de Investigaciones), the Ministry of the Interior, and the Chilean prosecutorial service. Representatives from all of these institutions, plus delegates from other South American nations, attended <a href="http://www.pazciudadana.cl/extension_int.php?idExt=60">the three-day symposium</a> from April 5-7. I, IACA Vice President of Membership Ericka Jackson, and IACA Technology Director Jim Mallard, gave several presentations, moderated panel discussions, and offered a two-day hands-on workshop for the analysts. We also met with delegations from each of the policing institutions in Chile and toured their facilities. We were particularly delighted to see the new Center for Strategic Crime Analysis at the Ministry of the Interior, which is headed by IACA member Martha Sepulveda. With only two police forces in the entire nation, and nationwide crime databases, a centralized, national crime analysis division is a real possibility for them. From what we saw, this unit is poised to accomplish great things.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHOTSLKTRcTu2Y0if3YvB_0DL7HjgXkxrWc-iWIPlRXhpIrFI8yhtql7Ewo3RNRZ8Ufk2W5YfGRKqicYv80rKTMQVH6oWeHuNSnnEjQFtudztMxLvl-NJZI4zqiID_m0N-NMtUnX1TID4/s1600/OSAStaff.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHOTSLKTRcTu2Y0if3YvB_0DL7HjgXkxrWc-iWIPlRXhpIrFI8yhtql7Ewo3RNRZ8Ufk2W5YfGRKqicYv80rKTMQVH6oWeHuNSnnEjQFtudztMxLvl-NJZI4zqiID_m0N-NMtUnX1TID4/s400/OSAStaff.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Center for Strategic Crime Analysis in Santiago</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
We owe a debt of gratitude to Executive Director Javiera Blanco Suárez, Deputy Director Patricio Tudela Poblete, analysts Fernanda Varela Jorquera and Hermann Schwaderer Zúñiga, and administrative manager Mariela Frindt Küllmer for arranging everything--from the travel logistics to the facilities to the translations--so beautifully. The three of us will also never forget our attache from the Carabineros, Marcelo Escoda, who accompanied us literally everywhere and ensured that our visit to the nation was pleasant and safe.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeJr2ARQxP5H2HNf8Ulfh4WBISlmhjmw5FPXYM0SUy84C_e-qDVJD4t0LZqhZ0htmfy4xn46T7zPnIsgv-yIkPfrhgfhuFYEhpDszzva8o60sJGxZVpnAoCpI51-9NW0UUGJElFkPcPTw/s1600/PDIAcademy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeJr2ARQxP5H2HNf8Ulfh4WBISlmhjmw5FPXYM0SUy84C_e-qDVJD4t0LZqhZ0htmfy4xn46T7zPnIsgv-yIkPfrhgfhuFYEhpDszzva8o60sJGxZVpnAoCpI51-9NW0UUGJElFkPcPTw/s400/PDIAcademy.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>IACA representatives with the staff of the training academy for the Policia de Investigaciones, where the two-day workshop was held.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
Our second international symposium, in Vancouver from April 27-28, was organized by an IACA committee consisting of Stacy Belledin (Lakewood, CO Police), Trina Cook (Tukwila, WA Police), Samantha Gwinn (LexisNexis), and Karin Sibilo (RCMP Vancouver). This was much like a smaller version of the regular IACA conference, with an open call for presentations and open registration through the IACA web site. The two-day training program featured a good mix of presentations on crime analysis techniques and innovations in the use of crime analysis by police agencies. We are particularly thankful to the Vancouver Police Department for sending such a large delegation, and Dr. Paul Brantingham, for delivering the keynote address. The conference met our registration goals (more than 75, with more than half from Canada), our financial goals (it made a profit!), and our quality goals (feedback has been very positive), and overall, I want to thank Stacy, Trina, Samantha, and Karin for providing both a valuable experience for the IACA and quality training for the attendees.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Js4oEB6i4CTB6tL0Ju5QdRznr6nai3YM0zkgfHzbuMFfIYmeh6Hmp_I6Dab_P9HRG9vn5U1jsxEhk4EC7_ruuzemgiz7MnCGBAdIlVEEhZlHDzJV4e_7Zb8pieLLmpiSagYdhk0bM5s/s1600/SusanPP.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Js4oEB6i4CTB6tL0Ju5QdRznr6nai3YM0zkgfHzbuMFfIYmeh6Hmp_I6Dab_P9HRG9vn5U1jsxEhk4EC7_ruuzemgiz7MnCGBAdIlVEEhZlHDzJV4e_7Zb8pieLLmpiSagYdhk0bM5s/s400/SusanPP.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>IACA Vice President of Administration Susan Smith presenting on "Predictive Policing" at the Coast Coal Harbor Hotel, Vancouver, BC, April 27, 2011.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;">One common goal that we have for <i>any</i> international symposium is <b>sustainability</b>. Although the IACA might sponsor or participate in a symposium, what we would really like is for the analysts in the area to continue the tradition in subsequent years after we leave. With many local crime analysis associations (e.g., MARCAN, MACA, CCIAA, VCAN) offering annual conferences for their members, there is no particular reason that crime analysis organizations in <i>every</i> region cannot do the same thing. To that end, the IACA board is working on ways to support such effort, including a profit-sharing arrangement to provide "seed money" to each area after a successful IACA event, and an agreement to send a certain number of IACA representatives to any international crime analysis event.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The success of both of these symposiums offers us two models for the future: events planned by a host organization, with an IACA presence, and events run directly by IACA committees. Which one we use in a particular area will depend on the strengths of our partnerships and the presence of available IACA members. But either way, expect international symposiums to become a permanent part of the IACA's slate of services from now on. We are looking at locations in the Caribbean and Europe for 2012 and should have announcements by the end of the summer. We hope that these symposiums, along with increased services on our web site, new partnerships, training agreements, membership outreach, and publications will help make the International Association of Crime Analysts truly "international."</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Sincerely,</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Christopher W. Bruce</div><div style="text-align: justify;">President</div><div style="text-align: justify;">International Association of Crime Analysts</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div>The IACAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15040446605243060572noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4757304915448703019.post-32724062286054143222011-04-14T15:52:00.000-04:002011-04-14T15:52:50.184-04:00IACA Represented at IA-IP Conference in AmsterdamGreeting Fellow IACA Members:<br />
<br />
Secretary Dawn Clausius and I have returned from representing the IACA at the International Academy of Investigative Psychology (IA-IP) at their 2011 Symposium in Amsterdam, The Netherlands (also known as "Holland"). We traveled over seven time zones overnight March 29th, arriving in Holland on March 30th. That evening, we met with the top two leaders of the IA-IP, Dr. David Cantor and Dr. Donna Youngs for the longest dinner in the history of long dinners. During the many hours over dinner and a lot (!) of very strong coffee, we gained a great deal of insight into the formation and goals of the IA-IP. <br />
<br />
In a nutshell, the IA-IP (<a href="http://www.ia-ip.org/">http://www.ia-ip.org/</a>) was formed for similar reasons the IACA was formed back in 1990 - to facilitate communication between individuals involved in a relatively new discipline and to help coordinate professionalism in training, research and practice. The members, mostly Investigative Psychologists and students of Investigative Psychology, are concerned with the psychological principles, theories and empirical findings that may be applied to investigations and the legal process. <br />
<br />
Perhaps more importantly (and of greater interest), a significant amount of their focus is on understanding "Modus Operandi" (or "MO"). Certainly crime analysts (and other members of the IACA) would take great interest in gleaning information from this group to help inform our analysis of crimes. In fact, in my keynote address to the group, I stated (in part): <br />
<br />
"Over the last 30 years, crime analysts have developed expertise in analyzing crime series for temporal factors, spatial factors, and offender and victim descriptions, but our approach to the question of modus operandi has never been fully informed. We use modus operandi to help link crimes in a series, and our experience with crime data allows us to determine what is unusual or unique about an offender’s chosen M.O.<br />
<br />
<br />
Where we lack knowledge is in the science of turning M.O. data into useful inferences about the offender. What can M.O. data tell us about an offender’s likely characteristics? How can it help us craft a solution to the crime series? How can it inform our efforts to increase the likelihood of arrest, strategies to deter the offender, or ways that investigators can approach interrogation? How can it inform future efforts on similar crime series? How can we use the M.O. data to better understand the decisions and choices offenders make and how is this information useful to us as analysts, as well as police officers and investigators in training for and eventually responding to crimes that can be linked, associated and studied together in the future?<br />
We believe that crime analysts are natural investigative psychologists who have so far lacked any real training in investigative psychology. We study crime series and have an innate sense of what is normal and what is abnormal. We have long wrestled with questions of offender behavior, but absent a framework or typology to assist us. This is what we hope to get out of our partnership with IA-IP. In return, we are in a good position to help ensure that the science of investigative psychology is actually applied in police agencies."<br />
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The presentation (Day Two of the Symposium) seemed to be received very well and Dr. Cantor even asked for a printed copy of my entire speech. This was followed the next day with Dawn Clausius' presentation on Applying Theory to Crime Analysis Practice which was presented to a jam-packed room of academics and practitioners. Her presentation led to a number of heated debates and discussions amongst those present, including Dr. David Cantor who had "showed" specifically for her presentation. We were very pleased with the involvement of the attendees and interest in the presentation.<br />
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That evening (the final evening of the Symposium), the group hosted a dinner and award presentation banquet onsite. Dawn and I were thrilled to have both Dr. Cantor AND Dr. Youngs choose to sit with us for the event, despite having many other VIPs present to which they needed to attend. During the awards and recognition, we were presented a "thank you" gift of appreciation of chocolate and a book on Holland, as well as a "toast" to us and our presence. <br />
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At the end of the evening, Dr. Cantor expressed to us his excitement about this new link between our association, and with promises of continued open lines of communication. Additionally, he suggested that we consider a collaboration through the IA-IP and the IACA "Press" (publishing arm of the IACA) to deliver booklets "by crime type" on the "MO" information that is known about each crime. In other words, there would be a booklet on robbery MO's and what they mean / how to interpret them / how to respond / how to incorporate the MO in a forecast, etc., and another booklet on commercial burglary...and another on residential burglary....etc. Dr. Cantor also suggested further collaboration involving Geographical Profiling and on case studies. We believe this is just the beginning of a mutually beneficial relationship for both organizations. <br />
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Outside of our time with Drs. Cantor and Youngs and the time spent in class at the Symposium, we were able to meet with a number of international professional interested in IACA membership and collaboration. This included an intelligence analyst with the EuroPol who inquired about the possibility of an IACA Symposium (like the upcoming Vancouver event) in The Haag, Holland. She stated there were more than 40 analysts there that could support the Symposium. We saw and met with an IACA member analyst from Trinidad and Tobago who also suggested support for a Symposium in the Caribbean would be strong if the IACA would consider hosting it there. A number of individuals inquired about membership and time was spent with each directing them to our website. We awarded three complimentary one-year IACA memberships to the three individuals expressing the MOST interest in our association.<br />
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And, our trip was not all business - we DID get to see the Coffee (marijuana) shops, dozens of canals and the canal housing ($$$$), the Red Light District, the Floating Flower Market, the Weeping Tower, the windmills of Kinderjik, Centraal Station, Rembrandt Square, Leids Square and an authentic castle from the 1500s. We found that everything in Holland came in small packages (small portions), but was outrageously expensive! They are also a very physically fit society, with bicycles outnumbering cars 40-1 in Amsterdam (less outside of the city). And, because parking is at a premium, the cars that they do have are mostly "Smart Cars" and smaller (yes, smaller!) and can often be found parked on the sidewalk. The culture was phenomenal and the experience was outstanding. We believe we represented the IACA very well and hope this event, in addition to the Vancouver Symposium and a visit to Chile by other IACA members, helps work toward true internationalization of our association.<br />
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With all good wishes (as they say in Holland),<br />
<br />
Susan C. Smith<br />
VP Administration<br />
<br />
Dawn Clausius<br />
SecretaryThe IACAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15040446605243060572noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4757304915448703019.post-18267544395351867172011-03-07T14:30:00.002-05:002011-03-07T14:30:53.700-05:00News from the IACA Board and Committee ChairsGreetings, Colleagues!<br />
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Here is a short update from the IACA Board and Committee Chairs:<br />
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Vancouver Symposium: The agenda for the IACA Spring Symposium in Vancouver, BC, has been posted on the IACA website. Chair Stacy Belledin and her committee have assembled a collection of interesting and innovative topics, presented by crime analysis professionals with a variety of experience and education. Don't miss this exciting opportunity to gain new perspectives and to network with your peers! Register today! http://iaca.net/Symposium2011.asp<br />
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IAIP Conference (Amsterdam, The Netherlands): The Vancouver symposium is not the IACA’s only move towards expanded internationalization this spring. At the end of March, IACA Vice President Susan Smith and Secretary Dawn Clausius will be representing the association at the International Academy for Investigative Psychology (IAIP) conference in Amsterdam where Susan will present a keynote address and Dawn will lead a breakout session. Here we hope to not only strengthen our presence in Europe, but to establish close ties to another organization with a compatible mission. Here is the link for more info: http://www.ia-ip.org/<br />
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Fundacion Paz Ciuadana (Santiago, Chile): In April, Vice President Ericka Jackson, Technology Director Jim Mallard, and President Christopher Bruce will travel to Santiago, Chile, to present a three-day workshop to more than 150 members of the country’s three major law enforcement organizations. The sponsors of this workshop, the Fundacion Paz Ciudadana, is helping to translate our literature into Spanish and to find key members in South American nations. And speaking of translations, Exploring Crime Analysis is currently being translated into Portuguese and Chinese for international publications.<br />
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IACA Professional Training Series: Training Chair Lakpinder Takhar announced the addition of a new course, "Advanced Crime Mapping" which is being offered in late August in Westfield, Massachusetts. Find out more about this and several other classes currently listed on the IACA website at http://www.iaca.net/IACATraining.asp.<br />
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MAPS Conference: NIJ's Crime Mapping Research Conference, "MAPS" is being held April 13-15, 2011 in Miami Florida. There is no charge for the conference (registration is free). Three (3) of the pre-conference classes are being taught and assisted by IACA members including President Chris Bruce, 2011 Conference Chair Mary Craige, Secretary Dawn Clausius, and members Trina Cook and Phil Mielke. You can find out more about the conference at http://www.crimemapping2011.com/<br />
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CAU Development Center: The Development Center, unveiled several months ago, is now one of the most popular pieces of the IACA website. Here you can find out about setting up a new unit, resources for analysts and lots of frequently asked questions with answers. Check it out at http://www.iaca.net/DevCenter.asp<br />
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The IACA 2011 Annual Training Conference: Chair Mary Craige and her committee are already hard at work on the 2011 Conference in Hyannis, Massachusetts (Cape Cod). They've even made a Facebook page to join (IACA MACA 2011 Conference). Find out more about the conference at http://www.iaca.net/Conference2011.asp<br />
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The new Standards, Methods and Technology Commission: Led by Jason Elder, Cinncinnatti PD, and with the support of Derek Paulsen, Chris Delaney and Matt Harris, this newly formed group has completed their Charter and is anxious to begin their work in developing and publishing "white papers" which will further define our profession. For more information, email Jason at Jason.Elder@cincinnati-oh.gov.<br />
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We are also in the beginning stages of developing a Mentoring Program for analysts and starting our IACA Annual Training Conference 2012 city / hotel search. More to come on both topics!<br />
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We hope all is well with you. Please do not hesistate to contact any board member with questions, concerns and suggestions. <br />
<br />
Susan<br />
<br />
Susan C. Smith, BS (hons.), MBA<br />
<br />
Certified Law Enforcement Analyst (CLEA)<br />
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Crime Analyst, Shawnee Police (www.cityofshawnee.org)<br />
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Vice President of Administration, IACA (www.iaca.net)<br />
<br />
Past President, MARCAN (www.marcan.org)<br />
<br />
Office (913) 742-6815<br />
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Cell (913) 302-4455<br />
<br />
ssmith@ci.shawnee.ks.usThe IACAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15040446605243060572noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4757304915448703019.post-47774586810625308972010-12-21T02:17:00.004-05:002010-12-21T02:22:10.497-05:00The Crime Analysis Unit Development Center<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlEaVDCNsFTTw1cqO3iBAPCHJuUVvGWVIDHgCI_uJ-9R7XSeFkoEwBAiL1mXvfpmEogiu7fb1H3tYNTUns1vpRJuUY3da-kRFJllRiTwqjsr7Hnqul8gOepQA-mD7psTyyw_b4E5glrLY/s1600/caudcmeet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>If you've been poking around the IACA web site lately, you may have noticed a new feature: the <a href="http://www.iaca.net/DevCenter.asp"><b>Crime Analysis Unit Development Center</b></a> (CAUDC).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuWwFWkHsn5l2d35Grdn4w_CBX4IXg3D0fQWUbbdIso8DW7wKdfYNaK1zEV_8TB1Y9Tg2Py34iGDLKBZ7F3QbC384tZrdzvwUwZfwxz_7YBaqlB1p8Vdpta3VU9up-OoSzQivrHMH2-m4/s1600/caudcmain.GIF" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuWwFWkHsn5l2d35Grdn4w_CBX4IXg3D0fQWUbbdIso8DW7wKdfYNaK1zEV_8TB1Y9Tg2Py34iGDLKBZ7F3QbC384tZrdzvwUwZfwxz_7YBaqlB1p8Vdpta3VU9up-OoSzQivrHMH2-m4/s1600/caudcmain.GIF" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuWwFWkHsn5l2d35Grdn4w_CBX4IXg3D0fQWUbbdIso8DW7wKdfYNaK1zEV_8TB1Y9Tg2Py34iGDLKBZ7F3QbC384tZrdzvwUwZfwxz_7YBaqlB1p8Vdpta3VU9up-OoSzQivrHMH2-m4/s1600/caudcmain.GIF" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>The CAUDC represents a year's worth of work by three dedicated IACA members--Kirkland, Washington crime analyst <b>Kristina Shull</b>; Redmond, Washington crime analyst <b>Craig Werre</b>; and IACA Technology Director <b>Jim Mallard</b>--plus the many of you who contributed examples, products, and profiles. This comprehensive resource is meant for crime analysis units at all stages of development, from those agencies wondering "what is crime analysis?" to experienced analysts looking for training, literature, or a new job. Its features answer many of the common questions that agencies ask when developing a crime analysis program, including:<br />
<br />
<ul><li>How many analysts does my department need?</li>
<li>What should the job posting include?</li>
<li>Where should we advertise the position?</li>
<li>What questions should we ask candidates during the interviews?</li>
<li>What types of products should our analysts issue?</li>
<li>How do we measure analytical performance?</li>
</ul><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaOScFK6Gp7nmrJQbjhKJ_CEzvJDQckFazTLEUb6tFHBAYRh-k9qV62NKx9wJtlZFpHwUiPj-VZ6xCdPMv36BAfp1xuGYC8zifwlOxGvSOXPNybbylwiwiTwUg6-VB_AYA2nrVS-wIDik/s1600/caudcpage.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaOScFK6Gp7nmrJQbjhKJ_CEzvJDQckFazTLEUb6tFHBAYRh-k9qV62NKx9wJtlZFpHwUiPj-VZ6xCdPMv36BAfp1xuGYC8zifwlOxGvSOXPNybbylwiwiTwUg6-VB_AYA2nrVS-wIDik/s400/caudcpage.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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Among the most enjoyable features of the CAUDC are the profiles located under the "<a href="http://www.iaca.net/DevCtr_MeetAnAnalyst.asp"><b>Meet an Analyst</b></a>!" link. These profiles offer practical insights into the day-to-day realities of crime analysis and serve as an invaluable resource for police administrators, students, and anyone unfamiliar with a crime analyst's job.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlEaVDCNsFTTw1cqO3iBAPCHJuUVvGWVIDHgCI_uJ-9R7XSeFkoEwBAiL1mXvfpmEogiu7fb1H3tYNTUns1vpRJuUY3da-kRFJllRiTwqjsr7Hnqul8gOepQA-mD7psTyyw_b4E5glrLY/s1600/caudcmeet.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlEaVDCNsFTTw1cqO3iBAPCHJuUVvGWVIDHgCI_uJ-9R7XSeFkoEwBAiL1mXvfpmEogiu7fb1H3tYNTUns1vpRJuUY3da-kRFJllRiTwqjsr7Hnqul8gOepQA-mD7psTyyw_b4E5glrLY/s400/caudcmeet.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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We unveiled the CAUDC at the IACP conference in October, but we have been making incremental updates and improvements since then. We believe it is now ready for widespread dissemination and use. Do you know an agency looking to develop a crime analysis capability? Point them to the CAUDC! Are you looking to improve your own skills and processes? Check out the resources for ideas and guidelines.<br />
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Most important, please <b>give us your feedback</b> on the CAUDC. We want to know what is and is not useful--and what your ideas are for improving this resource. You can use the <a href="http://www.iaca.net/Contact.asp">IACA contact form</a> or send an e-mail to <a href="mailto:caudc@iaca.net"><b>caudc@iaca.net</b></a>.<br />
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I am confident that the CAUDC represents a major step forward for the IACA and the crime analysis profession, and I hope you'll join me in thanking Kristina, Craig, and Jim for the extraordinary effort they made in assembling these resources and designing the site.<br />
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Sincerely,<br />
<br />
Christopher W. Bruce<br />
President<br />
International Association of Crime AnalystsThe IACAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15040446605243060572noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4757304915448703019.post-31826616525581565312010-10-26T13:23:00.003-04:002010-10-27T23:20:06.974-04:00IACA at IACPThis week, the IACA is exhibiting at the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) conference in Orlando, Florida. It is our fourth year at IACP and by far the most productive. Hundreds of police chiefs have visited our booth and received material they need to start or augment their crime analysis capabilities. Many of <i>your </i>chiefs have stopped by to compliment your work and ensure that you are members of the association. Delegations from several nations have expressed interest in IACA training and group memberships (there are huge delegations from Nigeria, Brazil, the Bahamas, and several other countries). Several universities and nonprofit associations have talked to us about mutually beneficial partnerships. Now, in the last hours, our literature and promotional materials have dwindled dangerously (which, of course, is mostly a good thing).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQvp75N2BxXFQAWR14mg4q9I_ygsuvOiKaUxRbpOQtLezZW9gfSFjcD-KIpYZ1khCb73Uu1SfJYyKUj_lNvCfEqMyL5Q4IOJA9BZq3FDfwG_XofXUiu-sIlHodRI08IUtuZ3-r0u3C-Ec/s1600/IACAExhibit1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQvp75N2BxXFQAWR14mg4q9I_ygsuvOiKaUxRbpOQtLezZW9gfSFjcD-KIpYZ1khCb73Uu1SfJYyKUj_lNvCfEqMyL5Q4IOJA9BZq3FDfwG_XofXUiu-sIlHodRI08IUtuZ3-r0u3C-Ec/s320/IACAExhibit1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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We can credit the success of this year's exhibit to a number of factors:<br />
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1. This year, we unveiled a <b>new exhibit</b>, featuring panels depicting the crime analysis process in action, an electronic display, and games. IACA Vice President Susan Smith and IACA Secretary Dawn Clausius worked hard to select a modular, professional exhibit that fit within our limited budget.<br />
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2. We have twice the amount of <b>exhibit space</b> this year as normal--and a great location! On a corner near the entrance, with enough room for a golf mat, a plinko board, and a round table, we have created an open an inviting place for attendees to stop and chat.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuvpO4mnDbt9x24ZnmTLN4qUWylm7quCcurTRbaSD1rEXQ9vUZV4x9spTvTOwt4eS8yLSpNDdaUdX2Y-XfjzztfLgU_la-hIwBAEH1l6UCp5xfsjPGbG3JSN55696Otm_UM4t2QGQwhgg/s1600/IACAExhibit2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuvpO4mnDbt9x24ZnmTLN4qUWylm7quCcurTRbaSD1rEXQ9vUZV4x9spTvTOwt4eS8yLSpNDdaUdX2Y-XfjzztfLgU_la-hIwBAEH1l6UCp5xfsjPGbG3JSN55696Otm_UM4t2QGQwhgg/s320/IACAExhibit2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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3. This year, IACA Technology Director Jim Mallard and Lincoln, Nebraska Police Chief Tom Casady (who is helping to staff our exhibit) provided a <b>Chief Executive Track</b> workshop on predictive policing, emphasizing the role of good crime analysis. This presentation has already received a <a href="http://www.policeone.com/chiefs-sheriffs/articles/2834211-Using-predictive-policing-to-prevent-crime/">fantastic write-up on the PoliceOne blog</a>.<br />
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4. We are regaling chiefs and other executives with our <b>Crime Analysis Unit Development Center</b>, a new section of our web site that, with text and samples, walks police agencies through the process of implementing, staffing, using, and advancing crime analysis. IACA members Kristina Shull (Kirkland, Washington) and Craig Werre (Redmond, Washington) have assembled this material over the last year, and we expect that it will be the most heavily-trafficked section of the new site (rolling out this week).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbHOu7krP14jgpUJdyDazdnup7ob9wbp1MFoDeFIa7lTTM8-j1mQV95hYORHDvs2B7WLb8qtQJ77jnTFo-UeUTMsBn8dBVJf-ICxn37fnQKJ_Z9aAVdllYJahD5SqjG7jVZBTtwZ3zKhA/s1600/CAUDC.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbHOu7krP14jgpUJdyDazdnup7ob9wbp1MFoDeFIa7lTTM8-j1mQV95hYORHDvs2B7WLb8qtQJ77jnTFo-UeUTMsBn8dBVJf-ICxn37fnQKJ_Z9aAVdllYJahD5SqjG7jVZBTtwZ3zKhA/s320/CAUDC.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
5. IACA member Debra Piehl is with us, representing both the IACA and the <a href="http://www.nhtsa.gov/Driving+Safety/Enforcement+&+Justice+Services/Data-Driven+Approaches+to+Crime+and+Traffic+Safety+%28DDACTS%29"><b>Data-Driven Approaches to Crime and Traffic Safety</b></a> (DDACTS) program, in which the IACA is a national partner. DDACTS is directly promoting the use of crime analysis in police agencies and increasing the need for new analysts.<br />
<br />
5. We have a <b>well-staffed exhibit</b> this year, with at least four IACA members at any time. These staff members--Susan, Dawn, Jim, Deb, Tom, Vice President Ericka Jackson, and Treasurer Tamara Otley--have been simply excellent, drawing in visitors with our games and give-aways, engaging them in conversations about analysis, demonstrating the new web resources, and sending them away with our literature.<br />
<br />
I thank all of the IACA members listed above who have been instrumental in making this year's exhibit a success, particularly Susan for organizing all of the logistics for our appearance<br />
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Exhibiting at the IACP conference is expensive for the association, but we believe that the benefits are worth the cost. These include increased membership, increased conference and training attendance (and not just for us; we've been directing many visitors to regional associations), increased visibility for the IACA (which translates into inclusion on national and international projects and programs), and--indirectly but still surely--increased status for the profession, which ultimately translates to better pay and working conditions for analysts, and better use of the work that they do.<br />
<br />
Christopher W. Bruce<br />
President<br />
International Association of Crime AnalystsThe IACAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15040446605243060572noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4757304915448703019.post-81145226085346415252010-10-17T13:37:00.003-04:002010-10-17T13:38:19.932-04:00The IACA's Most Successful Conference<span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">Many of us are returning from what appears, by most measures, to be the most successful conference in IACA history. To recap some highlights:</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><ul><li><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">The conference was a joint effort between the IACA and the <a href="http://www.popcenter.org/"><b>Center for Problem-Oriented Policing</b></a>. This brought the IACA to the attention of numerous police executives, government officials, and researchers who were unaware or only vaguely aware of us before. We have received 20 new membership applications in the past week.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">The conference featured a record-breaking <b>811 registrants</b>. Our previous record was 343, set in 2007. You might argue that the 2010 figure is a bit artificial, considering the POP partnership, but even without the POP attendees, we beat the previous record with around 355.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">Preliminary <b>evaluations</b> from both POP and IACA attendees have been very positive as to the quality of the training and the wisdom of the partnership. The POP Center is already talking to us about <b>future joint conferences</b>.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">Although POP is the larger organization, we were able to hold this joint conference without sacrificing the various <b>features that make IACA conferences memorable</b>, including our reception (complete with karaoke), networking events, computer lab training, exhibitors, awards, and prizes.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">The final financial accounting has not been completed, but a preliminary review suggests it will be our most <b>financially successful</b> conference, too.</span></li>
</ul><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">We are still tabulating reviews, but if you attended the conference, <a href="mailto:president@iaca.net">I would welcome your written feedback</a> as to how it went, <i>particularly if you have any critical comments about the IACA/POP partnership</i>. Don’t let me assume that everything was just peachy if you had concerns or problems that I did not see.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="159" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8LgUgH6WUHKioODVJ-BHYJvAp868aCg9dqT-tXK4-bRXzNaS_jbsPMeKq99b9OrXP6zQ7VSdVwvZI-CvP3tMlOFhOo5rZay2_rEFCJ4AYinLktGj66wmcTluWPfFpaZtRQYwCd2jQDM4/s320/chart.GIF" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Dave McClocklin's staggering "Best Analytical Chart" winner.</i></td></tr>
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">While I’m writing, let me take a moment to congratulate Membership Award winner <b>Tess Sherman</b>, Board Award winner <b>Carolyn Cassidy</b>, President’s Award winner <b>Debra Piehl</b>, and the first-place winners of this year’s bulletin contest: <b>Michael Winslow</b>, <b>David McClocklin</b>, <b>Scott Peacock</b>, <b>Dana Muskova</b>, and the <b>Onondaga Crime Analysis Center</b> in Syracuse, NY. Their contributions were truly staggering. I would also congratulate the <b>Colorado Springs Police Department</b> for winning <a href="http://www.popcenter.org/library/awards/goldstein.cfm?browse=abstracts">this year’s Goldstein Award</a> for their homeless outreach initiative.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhevwXd4Sv6186COcWrvVZd0EFydDhXNyf_DAST3HQp8XNromX5A7JQ9XG-t_d7nvgieXGYd5esYgVJ9yK-sarPDmTiRUNj1jUIf1VFgGiLqahrbxUuDCi8AUTmG4twQrxfbcM08r3-p5o/s320/MarkGetsAward.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The IACA Board presents the Lifetime Achievement Award to Dallas Police Lt. Mark Stallo, past IACA president</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">We owe the success of this conference primarily to its chair, <b>Carolyn Cassidy</b>, and her excellent committee: <b>Stephanie Beach</b>, <b>Mary Craige</b>, <b>Julie Garriety</b>, <b>Mary Kirkwood</b>, and <b>Allison Mayer</b>, who had to not only run a much larger, more elaborate IACA conference than normal, but also had to effectively work with two other organizations. Fortunately, the representatives from those organizations, <b>Nancy Leach</b> of the POP Center and the men and women of the <b>Arlington Police Department</b>, were unparalleled in their professionalism. The APD provided constant staffing during the conference and I heard numerous remarks as to their courtesy and helpfulness. I would also thank my counterpart at the POP Center, director <b>Michael Scott</b>, keynotes <b>Darrel Stephens </b>and <b>Rana Sampson</b>, our various sponsors, all of the excellent presenters this year, and of course the <b>IACA Board</b>.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">I know you’ll have more follow-ups concerning presentations, evaluations, and other details from Carolyn. From now, I’ll just say that this last year has brought the IACA to a higher level of complexity, but also a higher level of value. The 2010 conference established a tough new standard for future conferences to follow, but I am confident that our 2011 conference (as we join with the <a href="http://www.macrimeanalysts.com/"><b>Massachusetts Association of Crime Analysts</b></a> on Cape Cod from September 19-23, 2011, chaired by Mary Craige) will be even more successful.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">Time to shake off the P.C.D.* and start planning for next year!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">Best wishes,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">Christopher W. Bruce</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">President</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">International Association of Crime Analysts</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">*Post-Conference Depression. You thought you were the only one? </span></div>The IACAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15040446605243060572noreply@blogger.com0