National Institute of Justice Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

National Institute of Justice - Research Paper Example One such innovation is the Geographical Information Systems (GIS). Geographical Information systems are computer programs important to capture data requisite in the criminal justice system (2009). This expose elucidates the role of NIJ in the (MAPS) program, and the importance of the program to help reduce crime and improve public safety. With the introduction of GIS, computerized crimes maps have become a commonplace in fighting crimes in the contemporary society. Using data from the police on crimes and the geographical area of certain crimes, analysts are able to map where crimes occur. In addition, analysts analyze the reasons why the crimes occurred and effectively finding various ways of to respond to the crimes (NIJ, 2009). In this regard, these computerized crimes maps combine a geographical and social aspect in analyzing crimes. In effect, the analysis of crimes becomes crucial to the security authorities. Using funds from the Omnibus Appropriations Act of 1996, the National Institute of Justice created the Crime Mapping Research Center (CMRC) in 1997 (NIJ, 2009). The center’s fundamental responsibility was to determine the department of police’s use of analysis in policing. Consequently, the center developed programs meant to train and enhance the ability of police to utilize spatial maps and sets of data in combating crime (NIJ, 2009). In effect, this step marked the beginning of the program by NIJ since CMRC subsequently evolved into the Mapping and Analysis for Public Safety (MAPS) program in 2002, which funds research that uses GIS technology (NIJ, 2009). According to NIJ (2009), the role of NIJ in the MAPS program is to support research, which is important to help security agencies to enhance public safety. On a broader perspective, this program examines four fundamental aspects. The first of these