Data analysis in criminology: modern tools for crime prevention and control

URL: https://dspace.academy.police.md/data-analysis-in-criminology-modern-tools-for-crime-prevention-and-control/

Data: 2026

The digital transformation of society has brought about significant changes in the ways information relevant to crime prevention and crime control is collected, processed, and utilized. Data analysis has become one of the most important tools employed by law enforcement agencies, enabling the identification of crime patterns, the anticipation of criminogenic risks, and the optimization of decision-making processes. This study examines the principal methods and modern data analysis tools used in criminology, with a particular focus on predictive systems, artificial intelligence, geospatial analysis, social network analysis, and machine learning technologies. The experiences of several countries, including the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands, are analyzed, along with the ethical, legal, and operational challenges associated with the use of these technologies. The findings highlight that data analysis has become an indispensable instrument of modern criminology; however, its effectiveness depends on data quality, algorithmic transparency, and respect for fundamental human rights.