Stronger Data, Smarter Insights, Better Decisions
At CAP Index, our mission is to provide the most reliable and actionable crime risk intelligence available. The Spring 2026 update reflects our continued investment in data quality, model performance, and client value to help organizations stay informed, prepared, and proactive in managing risk.
Expanded Data & Improved Coverage
This release incorporates a significant expansion of nationwide crime data, strengthening the foundation of our crime risk scores. We’ve strengthened data coverage in high-crime areas like Albuquerque, NM, and made major strides in rural and suburban regions that have long lacked visibility in national data. By expanding both the depth and breadth of our data, we are now able to generate more granular forecasts than ever before. Clients will also see this reflected in our Crime Incident Feature (CIF), which now includes a greater volume of incidents, providing a clearer and more detailed picture of risk at the local level.
What Changed in the Scores?
To better understand the real-world impact of the score updates, we analyzed over 750,000 locations previously scored by our clients. While the overall system remains stable, as expected from a robust model, we identified meaningful changes worth noting:
- More than 10% of locations experienced significant score shifts (100+ points) in their CAP Index scores.
- An even larger share saw moderate changes in the range of 50–99 points.
This analysis highlights an answer to one of the most common questions we hear: “Do I need to update my crime risk scores regularly?” While most locations maintain relative stability, there is a meaningful subset where risk levels change in ways that can directly impact decision-making. For these locations, updated scores can signal the need to reassess security measures, revisit site selection decisions, or conduct more in-depth analysis. Regular updates ensure that organizations are not relying on outdated assumptions in a dynamic risk environment.
Enhanced Business Benchmarking
In addition to improvements in the model itself, we’ve enhanced our CRIMECAST Industry Benchmark Analysis (CIBA). Clients can now evaluate how their locations compare against others within their specific industry using the most up-to-date industry incident data. This added context helps organizations move beyond absolute risk scores and toward more strategic, industry-relevant decision-making.
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