Hiding in Plain Sight: The Systematic Coding of Police Data and Insights into Vulnerability
摘要
The Metropolitan Police Service generates a vast amount of data, often underutilised beyond its immediate investigative relevance. Essentially hiding in plain sight, this data presents opportunities to generate important analytical insights. This chapter outlines the development of a systematic ‘deep coding’ approach by MOPAC’s Evidence and Insight (E&I) team with specific reference into victim vulnerability. The chapter charts the approach through a series of analytics exploring rape allegations and alignment to a growing strategic focus on vulnerability. The methodology is outlined highlighting key variables across thematic areas relating to the victim, the suspect, the circumstances of the offence, the police investigative procedures, and outcomes. Our predictive modelling approach is discussed, preceding an overview of key insights generated across E&I’s portfolio of reports spanning rape reviews, an evaluation of a child sexual abuse support service, serious youth violence, domestic abuse, and stalking. Limitations of the approach are discussed in relation to subjectivity, the resource required, and researcher wellbeing. A final section highlights positive indications that the approach and the potential of new technologies further enhance process and insight. It is hoped that the chapter can promote the value of this routine police data, both for analytics internal and external to policing.