Date of Award

5-1-2022

Language

English

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

College/School/Department

Department of Information Science

Content Description

1 online resource (vi, 202 pages) : illustrations (some color)

Dissertation/Thesis Chair

Shiguo Jiang

Committee Members

Steven F Messner, Alexander Buyantuev

Keywords

inhomogeneous K function, MAUP, repeat and near-repeat crime, spatial-temporal scale, spatiotemporal crime patterns, target-based approach, Crime analysis, Crime, Time-series analysis, Spatial analysis (Statistics), Scaling (Social sciences), Cluster analysis, Space and time, Spatial behavior, Criminal behavior, Prediction of, spatial analysis

Subject Categories

Criminology | Geographic Information Sciences

Abstract

Based on a critical review of existing literature in the spatial-temporal analysis of crime, three challenges have been identified: spatial-temporal scaling, theorizing spatial patterns for different types of crime, and the micro interaction between space and time. The spatial-temporal scaling issue is related to choosing the appropriate geographic unit of analysis. The theoretical issue concerns the lack of an integrative approach that can integrate the benefits of each theoretical perspective and identify broader processes to explain the resulting spatial patterns for different types of crime. Also, examining and explaining the variation of the micro space-time interactions for different types of crime and their stability over time have received little attention. Therefore, this dissertation aims to 1) minimize the identified analytical issues resulting from the current practice of selecting the geographic unit of analysis, and 2) maximize/ complement the current theoretical and practical advantages for each theoretical perspective and practical policy. To achieve these two aims, this dissertation has threefold objectives: 1) to develop an analytical and empirical framework that facilities determine a reasonable spatial and temporal scale of analysis in crime, 2) to develop a theoretical framework that can explain the variation of spatial clustering and spatial scale in the first objective through an integrative theoretical approach of crime processes, and 3) to assess and explain the extent to which the micro space-time interactions and the temporal stability of the elevated risk for future crime vary across different types of crime. The results of the dissertation can inform criminological research on the spatial pattern of crime and the processes behind those patterns, and contribute to the development of more effective policies for crime control. Moreover, the empirical findings of the dissertation can reveal further practical implications by providing a systematic basis to demarcate the area to be searched in order to find an offender. Further analytical, theoretical, and practical implications of the findings are discussed.

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