Current Research

Parole, Risk-based policing, Surveillance, Criminogenic spatial modeling, Risk terrains, Global threat assessment, Crisis mapping, Drug markets and shootings ...

© 2009-2010 RCPS

Project on Surveillance 
RCPS is engaged in a multi-staged project examining different aspects of public surveillance.  With data from the Newark police, we are examining the deterrent effect of CCTV on violent crime in the city.  We are also engaged in a larger discussion around the use of surveillance in public security venues with a plan to hold a conference on this topic in late 2009. [Click here to view a related Research Brief]

Public Input at Parole

Most U.S. parole boards are legally required to consider input at parole hearings. RCPS is involved with a content analysis of input submitted to the NJ State Parole Board to identify how the information provided by the public may best be utilized by the Board when making release decisions, setting conditions of release, or responding to the ongoing needs of victims and other stakeholders.

ET21
RSPC is involved in a multi-stage project on Emerging Threats in the 21^st century.  The center’s role will focus on global violence, examining the methodology, data, and analysis challenges that we face in providing predictions about patterns and trends of violent outbreaks. (http://et21.rutgers.edu) [Click here to view related Research Briefs]

Data Integration and Threat Assessments 
This project examines the opportunities and limitations that exist in developing threat assessments based on access to integrated data sets.  The first step of this project involved a conference at the NJ State fusion center, the ROIC, where experts on different aspects of data mining and analysis came together to discuss the applications of these approaches to the study of public security. 
 

Risk Based Policing
RCPS  is involved in research on risk based policing in Turkey, as well as, examining this topic in detail through a collaboration with police scholars at Michigan State University. 
 

Risk Terrains and Shootings

With data supplied by the NJ State Police, RSPC is involved in an ongoing project mapping the predictors of shooting crimes.  Using a forecasting technique based on raster maps, researchers are exploring the accuracy of this approach compared to the more commonly used retrospective mapping approaches. [Click here to view related Research Briefs]
 

Parolees and Community Services

Building off the findings from two recently completed studies; one on neighborhood effects and recidivism and one on post-release service availability, this project's objectives are to: 1) identify the spatial distribution and intersection of social services and parolee residences; 2) describe the community signatures of where parolee residences tend to cluster following release from prison; and 3) examine the relative influence of these factors on recidivism.

Graffiti Siting and Gang-Related Crimes
Spatial analysis of locations with gang-related graffiti. Project objectives are: 1) to determine the spatial relationship between places with gang-related crime and graffiti; 2) map territorial boundaries of gangs based upon information communicated in graffiti markings; 3) identify community/environmental characteristics of locations with and without graffiti; 4) explore the role of social media internet sites in the culture of graffiti artists and how these technologies can be used as data sources for police intelligence.