 January 9, 2008
| Topic: |
The Ethical Implications of Crime Mapping: Using GIS to Inform and Engage the Public |
| Presenter: |
Desiré J.M. Anastasia, School of Public Affairs, SDSU |
| Location: |
SDSU Foundation: Sky Park |
| Discussion & Questions: |
Crime maps utilizing Geographical Information Systems (GIS) have been useful in conveying crime-risk information to the general public. Not only are these maps easy to understand, they also convey crime data in a different and more accessible and readable way. Although these GIS crime maps offer a technological solution that both informs and engages the public, this technology has yet to be firmly established. Not only can faulty technology assist in producing inaccurate map information, but issues of privacy also come into play.
These two main concerns bring up several ethical questions, including:
1. What are the consequences of mapping errors?
a. How good is the crime data in general? Do we need more/better data from a different source?
b. How is this information collected, maintained, etc?
c. What are some of the ethical issues inherent in using secondary data for research purposes?
2. Is crime mapping respectful of people’s privacy?
a. What are the pros and cons of having such detailed and accessible information? Should we know so much?
b. Is it fair to a convicted criminal to add this level of punishment to her/his sentence? What is the extent to which they should be held to the crime committed?
c. Does this information add fuel to individuals or groups who feel the need to convert information into action (to commit further serious crime)?
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| Readings: |
- Ratcliffe, Jerry H. "Damned if You Don’t, Damned if You Do: Crime Mapping and its Implications in the Real World." Policing and Society, 2002, Vol 12, No. 3, pp. 211-225.
- Urban and Regional Information Systems Association (URISA), "A GIS Code of Ethics" April 9, 2003. <http://www.urisa.org/about/ethics>
- Automated Regional Justice Information Systems (ARJIS), Crime MAPS. <http://mapping.arjis.org>
- Office of the Attorney General, State of California, Department of Justice. Megan’s Law. < http://www.meganslaw.ca.gov/>
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