Theoretical perspectives to hot spots
A visually stunning hotspot map does not provide the answers to why crime or disorder
occurs at a particular area, but does enable a more focused approach to understanding
areas that require resources, and can offer direction for initiating discussion on
carrying out further analysis within these focus areas.
Once the hotspot has been identified, the next stage involves developing an understanding
to how crime or disorder is generated within this area. Several theories can help
partnerships to understand why crimes or disorder incidents concentrate at certain
locations, and offer guidance to developing and implementing initiatives to focus
areas. None of these theories are exclusively definitive, but complement each other
for helping to understand crime and disorder hotspots, particularly at different geographic
scales.
See the Contacts section for more details about Criminology Theory.
(The summaries provided for these theories are largely drawn from an extract of
a US Department of Justice publication on ‘Understanding Hotspots’).
|
