The ‘predictive crime’ units patrolling a Japanese city
Crime prevention remains a key part of the job description of the Japanese police but one force is emphasising crime prediction.
Kyoto Prefectural Police have introduced a computer-based simulation that crunches data on more than 100,000 crimes committed in recent years and identifies where and when similar incidents are likely to happen again. This has allowed the police to ensure more officers are on the beat at specific times and locations, national broadcaster NHK reported.
Officers have also been able to use the data patterns to identify suspects in certain types of incidents, including bag snatchings and indecent assaults, and to clear 38 historic cases and secure five convictions.
Known as the Predictive Crime Defence System, the computer identifies areas of cities
in the prefecture where people are most at risk of certain types
of crimes, with dark colours overlaid on a map indicating a higher chance of a certain type of incident taking place.
Police said they are delighted with the system, which was introduced in October, as they say it allows them to tailor their patrols and operating hours to maximise efficiency and prevent more crimes from occurring.
One new tactic officers have adopted in areas where sexual assaults have been reported is
to drive around in police cars
with the lights flashing.
Similarly, in districts known to be popular with car thieves, officers are more assiduous in monitoring people acting suspiciously around vehicles.
The results of Kyoto authorities’ use of big data to fight crime has yet to be determined, although officials point out that a similar system in the city of Santa Cruz, in California, has resulted in a 20 per cent decline in crime.
Not everyone is as delighted with the system, however, with commentators on internet bulletin boards suggesting the system is too close to the scenarios portrayed on-screen in Minority Report or Person of Interest for comfort.
Other forces are monitoring the success of the pilot programme and the system is expected to be introduced elsewhere in the coming months and, ultimately, across the country.
