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Become a problem solving crime analyst in 55 small steps
This manual builds on traditional policing knowledge and experience to prepare you for a different analytic role as a key member of a problem-solving team. It prepares you for this new role by providing you with a basic knowledge of problem-oriented policing and the related fields of environmental criminology and situational crime prevention. It was published by the Jill Dando Institute in 2003.
Title: Become a problem solving crime analyst in 55 small steps
Authors: Ronald V. Clarke and John Eck
Date published: 2003
Number of pages:
Availability: View full report in sections
The guide takes a common-sense approach to crime analysis and gives brief introductions to each of the 55 steps and how to put them to practical use. The guide is illustrated throughout with case studies and examples.
In 2005 a revised and updated version of the manual was published in the USA as 'Crime Analysis for Problem Solvers in 60 Small Steps' 
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55 small steps
Prepare yourself | Learn about problem-oriented policing |
1. Read Become a problem solving crime analyst in 55 small steps first 2. Rethink your job 3. Be the local crime expert 4. Know the limits of conventional policing | 5. Become a POP expert 6. Be true to POP 7. Be very crime specific 8. Be guided by SARA – but not led astray! |
Study environmental criminology | Scan for crime problems |
9. Use the crime triangle 10. Never forget opportunity makes the thief 11. Always 'think thief ' 12. Expect offenders to react negatively 13. Don't be ground down by the displacement pessimists 14. Expect diffusion of benefits | 15. Say Cheers! when defining a problem 16. Know what kind of problem you have 17. Study the journey to crime 18. Know how hot spots develop 19. Learn if the 80–20 rule applies |
Analyse in depth | Find a practical response |
20. Formulate hypotheses 21. Diagnose your hot spot 22. Know when to use high-definition maps 23. Pay attention to daily and weekly rhythms 24. Take account of long-term change 25. Know how to use rates and denominators 26. Identify risky facilities 27. Be ready for repeat victimisation 28. Consider repeat offending 29. Know which products are CRAVED by thieves 30. Look for crime facilitators 31. Check you have answered the five 'W' (and one 'H') questions | 32. Accept your key role at response 33. Increase the effort of crime 34. Increase the risks of crime 35. Reduce the rewards of crime 36. Reduce provocations 37. Remove excuses for crime 38. Find the owner of the problem 39. Choose responses likely to be implemented |
Assess the impact | Communicate effectively |
40. Conduct a process evaluation 41. Know how to use controls 42. Consider geographical and temporal displacement 43. Examine displacement to other targets, tactics and crime types 44. Watch for other offenders moving in 45. Be alert to unexpected benefits 46. Expect premature falls in crime 47. Test for significance 48. Calculate costs | 49. Tell a clear story 50. Make clear maps 51. Use simple tables 52. Use simple figures 53. Design powerful presentations 54. Become a good presenter |
Last update: Tuesday, September 09, 2008