Stuck in the past with push-pins on paper maps: Challenges of transition from manual to computerized crime mapping and analysis in Kenya

AuthorGachie Eliud Baraka,Shadrack Kiana Murimi
Date01 March 2019
DOI10.1177/1461355719832620
Published date01 March 2019
Subject MatterArticles
Article
Stuck in the past with push-pins on paper
maps: Challenges of transition from
manual to computerized crime mapping
and analysis in Kenya
Gachie Eliud Baraka
(Department of Security and Correction Science,) Kenyatta University, Kenya
Shadrack Kiana Murimi
(Geography Department,) Kenyatta University, Kenya
Abstract
Although crimes and the modus operandi of perpetrators across the world change constantly, some policing tools,
especially in developing countries, remain the same. This study sought to as sess Kenyan police officers’ satisfaction
with the use of paper maps and push-pins (manual tools) in crime analysis, and identify challenges to the adoption of
computerized tools such as geographic al information systems (GIS) at a time when most operations are driven by
technology. A descriptive survey targeting 120 Kenyan police officers was carried out at the National Police Service
(NPS) headquarters in Nairobi, but only 94 (78.3%) officers responded. The study reveals that 42.3% of respondents found
manual tools to be useful in crime mapping and spatial analysis, whereas 67.8% felt that they were easy to use. The study
indicates that 55.0% of respondents were satisfied with manual crime mapping and spatial analysis, mainly because it was
easy to use. The study also identifies several challenges to the adoption of GIS in crime analysis. The study concludes that
majority of respondents found manual crime-mapping tools to be easy to use, but less useful although still usable in the
absence of alternatives. The NPS should consider implementing pilot projects of computerized crime mapping and spatial
analysis to allow stakeholders to assess police operations against multiple platforms.
Keywords
Crime, spatial analysis, GIS, law enforcement, police
Submitted 29 Jun 2018, Revise received 21 Dec 2018, accepted 31 Jan 2019
Introduction
Information communications technology (ICT) applica-
tions have become a key part of management decision sup-
port systems in many organizations (Galletta and Lederer,
1989). The need for change from manual to automated
operations has seen ICT applications undergo immense
development, leading to a noticeable switch in user percep-
tions and attitudes towards them (Ellahi and Manarvi,
2010). Nunn and Quinet (2002) suggest that ICT positively
serves many aspects of routine activities by increasing
working speed and easing workload. Advances in
computer-based applications have therefore created an
urgent need for organizations to quickly adopt ICT tools
to gain a competitive edge over their counterparts. Com-
puter technologies cannot, however, bring a relative advan-
tage to organizational operations if they are no t utilized
effectively to serve end-users (Agarwal and Prasad, 1997;
Davis et al., 1989; Mathieson, 1991).
Corresponding author:
Gachie Eliud Baraka, Departme nt of Security and Correction Sc ience,
Kenyatta University, P.O. Box 43844-00100, Nairobi, Kenya.
Email: barakagachie@gmail.com
International Journalof
Police Science & Management
2019, Vol. 21(1) 36–47
ªThe Author(s) 2019
Article reuse guidelines:
sagepub.com/journals-permissions
DOI: 10.1177/1461355719832620
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