Crime mapping in India: A GIS implementation in Chennai city policing

Abstract

In India, though the Police agencies of Bangalore, Hyderabad, Goa, Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai and Trivandrum use customized GIS, its application is still in a rudimentary stage. There is a felt need for the fullest application of this potent technology in Indian policing. Hence, researchers in the University of Madras collaborated with the Chennai Police department and developed this study. This research work was submitted to the Police Commissioner, Chennai city and was implemented. The findings of this study showed that, using GIS is a much more compatible means of crime pattern analysis than current processes because of its geographic referencing capabilities. This research has provided valuable information concerning property crimes in Chennai city, including data on the social and physical characteristics of these areas that contribute to localized criminal activity. © 2004 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.