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Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) is contributing to public safety efforts with a new data extraction tool designed to support law enforcement agencies in fighting crime more effectively.
Dr. Dennis Mares, Professor of Criminal Justice Studies and Director of the Center for Crime Science and Violence Prevention (CCSVP), developed a specialized software program that helps police departments better access and manage crime data.
Streamlining Crime Reporting
The data extraction tool enables police departments to create standardized databases aligned with the FBI’s National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS).
Importantly, this system operates without requiring complicated access to a department’s Records Management System (RMS).
“This tool helps departments structure their crime incident data to meet federal standards without advanced technical requirements,” said Dr. Mares.
Serving Local Justice Agencies
Located in Belleville, Illinois, CCSVP supports criminal justice professionals and agencies by offering services such as:
- Grant development
- Crime data analytics
- Crime mapping and dashboards
- Evaluation research and technical support
This tool aligns with CCSVP’s broader mission to promote data-driven decision-making among local police departments, especially smaller ones that may lack the resources to manage complex crime databases.
Visualizing Crime Patterns
Beyond just collecting data, the tool maps, timestamps, and categorizes criminal activity, offering law enforcement agencies a powerful way to identify crime trends and take strategic action.
“The ability to explore both quantitative and qualitative aspects of crime is critical when crafting solutions to reduce its impact,” Dr. Mares explained.
This information can also be shared with local communities to improve transparency and inform public safety measures like increased patrols or targeted interventions.
A Cost-Effective Alternative
Unlike commercial software solutions, which can cost tens of thousands of taxpayer dollars annually, Mares’ tool offers an affordable and efficient option. An estimated 80% of police departments across the U.S. are equipped to use it.
CCSVP is also working to secure a Department of Justice grant to transform the tool into a user-friendly standalone app. This app would integrate data extraction, analysis, and mapping into one cohesive platform.
“Our ultimate goal is to make this tool accessible and usable for every police department nationwide,” said Mares. “With wider implementation and testing, especially in out-of-state agencies, we can ensure it performs consistently and effectively.”
SIUE’s new crime data tool represents a major step forward in modernizing law enforcement capabilities, particularly for smaller or under-resourced departments.
By making high-quality crime data more accessible, Dr. Dennis Mares and CCSVP are helping communities across the country take a smarter, more proactive approach to public safety.