The focus is on critical managerial considerations in establishing and implementing GIS rather than on specific technical hardware and software specifications, which will vary by jurisdiction. The purpose of this effective practices booklet is to provide an overview of the GIS implementation process for managers and staff in small to medium size law enforcement jurisdictions. Without specifying or dictating the precise organizational and technical structure needed for implementation, this booklet seeks to establish the general managerial framework for crime mapping at the local level. It is hoped that through it managers will be able to gain a strategic vision of the purposes and administrative dimensions of GIS in law enforcement. Moreover, sections of this manual may be used as an implementation checklist for each stage of the GIS life cycle.
Appendices list relevant contacts and resources.
D evelopment of a public sector capability, especially one like GIS, must be preceded by a thorough exploration of why it should be developed. A solid needs assessment forces key stakeholders to develop a thorough and detailed statement of objectives and clarification of the target audience to be served by the program. This is basic to effective public service because needs assessment leads to understanding of the quantitative and qualitative aspects of program justification. In the study reported here, the research team inventoried overall benefits of GIS and evidence that GIS is effective in the law enforcement environment. These real returns are meant to suggest a point of departure for defining evaluation measures specific to local jurisdictions.