WSU Today Reports TIPS Student’s Accomplishment on GIS Study

One of the recent accomplishments of the TIPS project has been reported by the WSU Today newspaper in Pullman, WA. Arif Akgul, a Ph.D. candidate at Washington State University, has conducted research on how a geographical information system (GIS) can be used in policing for activities such as crime mapping and analysis. Akgul used both quantitative and qualitative methodologies to measure the application of the GIS in the Spokane Police Department. As well as its effect on crime and related situations, his research has also analyzed how the GIS personnel use the system effectively and what kinds of problems they face during its applications. In addition, Akgul tested how the use of GIS served the department’s missions in community policing and problem-oriented policing.

The findings of the study suggest that the expectations from the use of GIS differ based on the particular conditions and jobs which GIS users perform. Additionally, he suggests that the use of GIS should be supported by managerial skills which integrate leadership, innovation, and technological trends. WSU Today commended Akgul’s study since it provides an important contribution to local and international level improvements on GIS use.

With the mission of bridging theory and practice into policing, we at the TIPS Connections hope that Akgul’s example will lead to further studies in the field.