IT uses data and algorithms to predict crimes in certain geographic hot spots with the goal of preventing potential crimes in these targeted areas. Traditional crime analysis uses a model of past events and places patrols and personnel on site to reduce crime rates in certain areas of a city or county. Law enforcement also still uses a reactive model to solve crimes that occur and make arrests based on investigations and evidence. “Predictive policing involves becoming less reactive. “Predictive insight shifts the focus from law enforcement to what has happened to what will happen and how to effectively deploy resources to fight crime, thereby changing the results,” wrote Charlie Beck, chief of the Los Angeles Police Department. 1Random rounds and passes by police personnel across districts and zones created from geographic boundaries have dominated law enforcement techniques for the past forty years, although more recently agencies have evolved towards a more community-based approach in which police officers use their best problem-solving methods. To limit problems and help the public, most budgets require a more effective force to protect and enforce. Systems like COMPSTAT can leverage the volumes of data collected by law enforcement to uncover previously unknown patterns and associations to assist officers in their enforcement efforts. and prevention. “The strategic basis for predictive policing is quite clear. A smaller, more agile force can effectively counter larger numbers by leveraging intelligence, including the element of surprise. A force that uses intelligence to guide information-based operations can penetrate an adversary's territory. decision cycle and changes in outcomes, even in the face of a larger middle of paper......ages/predictive.aspxBeck, C. and McCue, C. (2009, November). Predictive policing: What can we learn from Wal-Mart and Amazon about fighting crime in a recession? The chief of police. Retrieved from http://www.policechiefmagazine.org/magazine/index.cfm?fuseaction=display_arch&article_id=1942&issue_id=112009 What is COMPSTAT? (2014) University of Maryland Retrieved from http://www.compstat.umd.edu/what_is_cs.php Risling, G. (July 2012). Science fiction policing: predicting crime before it happens. San Jose Mercury News Retrieved from http://www.mercurynews.com/news/ci_20984694/sci-fi-policing-predicting-crime-before-it-occurs Stroud, M. (February 2014). The Minority Report: New Chicago Police Computer Predicts Crime, But Is It Racist? The Verge. Retrieved from http://www.theverge.com/2014/2/19/5419854/the-minority-report-this-computer-predicts-crime-but-is-it-racist