In a lively discussion with Dr. Eric Piza from Northeastern University‘s School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, and Dr. Grant Drawve, VP of Geospatial Crime Solutions at CAP Index, the two experts explored the power of geospatial crime data in helping law enforcement agencies make better decisions and improve public safety.
The value of crime analysts
A key takeaway from the conversation was the critical role of crime analysts in transforming data into actionable insights. As crime data becomes more complex, having dedicated analysts within law enforcement agencies is vital for understanding crime patterns, identifying hotspots, and optimizing resource allocation.
Building smarter partnerships through collaboration
Dr. Piza and Dr. Drawve discussed how data visualization and geospatial mapping can drive preventative strategies that are more effective at addressing crime before it happens. Moreover, they emphasized that building smarter partnerships between researchers and law enforcement are essential for producing data-driven outcomes that make communities safer.
If your agency is considering building out or expanding a crime analysis team, this conversation is full of valuable insights.
About Eric Piza
Northeastern Faculty Page: https://cssh.northeastern.edu/faculty/eric-piza/
Crime Analysis Course: https://cssh.northeastern.edu/sccj/level-up-your-professional-skills-with-a-course-in-crime-analysis-and-mapping/
Recent Posts
3 Questions That Change the Way You Think About Security Risk (ESRM)
Beyond the Headlines: Q2 2026 Crime Trends
