MapInfo Corporation, a global provider of location intelligence solutions, have worked on the project alongside Hampshire Constabulary since March.
The company are confident that neighbourhood profiles create important reference information which can be used by police to formulate plans to address specific issues, to target resources and to measure the effect of crime reduction initiatives within individual neighbourhoods.
Neighbourhood profiling is designed to help police deliver a framework to measure and manage the performance of local agencies. In recognition of a wider government directive and the valuable operational resource it would provide, Hampshire Constabulary engaged MapInfo. They created individual reports and maps for each of their 144 neighbourhoods, with a focus on demographic variables and map information.
Hampshire Constabulary has the responsibility for policing the central southern area of England, covering the large urban communities of Southampton, Portsmouth and Basingstoke, as well as wider rural and coastal communities, including the New Forest and the Isle of Wight.
Demographic data variables for the profiles were selected from the 2001 census and included age, employment status, religion, and marital status. These statistics were supported by maps representing background geography (rivers, settlements etc.) overlaid with labelled neighbourhood boundaries and other data.
Clearly pleased with the results, Inspector Patrick Holdaway from the force’s Community Safety Department spoke about MapInfo’s involvement:”Their inherent understanding of analytics, visualisation and the need for ease of use combined to deliver the exact solution we were looking for.
He added,”This capability will make a significant impact on our crime reduction planning and swifter inroads toward safer neighbourhoods in Hampshire.”
MapInfo, who were recently acquired by mailstream giant Pitney Bowes, also found the project rewarding.
Andy Thompson, Director of Analytical Services said, “Delivering our analytical services has been a natural extension to our existing relationship with Hampshire Constabulary, reinforcing our position as a trusted supplier”.