Data Access and Spatial Privacy Considerations in Policing

Oregon Convention Center 

Modern classes of statistical models rely on the availability of detailed information associated with policing events. In practice, it is often difficult to obtain quality data, especially from small-town police departments. After data is obtained, we must consider how/if that data can be released to the public more broadly. In policing location data, on use of force incidents for example, uncertainty is introduced for many reasons such as privacy-preserving efforts, geocoding algorithms, and data-gathering mechanisms. First, we discuss various data-collection initiatives and legal processes (such as FOIA) that statisticians may consider to collect and/or access policing data. Next, we introduce methods to analyze messy/incomplete spatial policing data. We conclude with areas to consider for future statistical research, brought through the recent National Institute of Statistical Science forum.