The Edmonton Police Service has launched a "crime map" web site. It allows you to see the number of crimes committed in Edmonton's neighbourhoods. The site is extremely interesting and very relevant to anyone considering moving to a certain neighbourhood. The site states:
The Edmonton Police Service is committed to innovative and responsive community policing, which is why we have developed this Neighborhood Crime Mapping Website.
Neighborhood crime is more than just numbers; it’s about knowing where reported crime is happening in the area where you live. Knowing the real picture of neighborhood crime reported to the Edmonton Police Service is the first step in doing something about it.
You can select a neighborhood of interest by ‘clicking’ on the city map, select a date range, and then select one, some or all of 8 crime type groups to plot on the map.
By accessing this timely and relevant information on reported crime you will be able to know ‘what’s really going on in your neighborhood. By knowing what’s really going on, you should be better informed in relation to crime prevention decision-making.
I can't comment on any stats I found on the site (you'll see why when you read the site disclaimer).
…And where is one supposed to buy an overpriced home that would be in a crime free area in this charming town?
This map is great! People really should report more crimes, especially theft from auto as it really does collectively help the Police Service catch them before a civillian does with a baseball bat (though that may be a better punisment).
All this thing really is is a scorecard! Which gang’s gonna win??
I actually checked this site out, but the problem is that the data doesn’t tell the whole story. For one, it isn’t very historical, so it won’t really give any long term and accurate history about a neighborhood. Also, population density and the existence of bars, etc. in a neighborhood can scew the stats. For example, the Oliver neighbourhood, West of Downtown, is generally considered a nice neighborhood with solid real estate prices, but the crime stats make it look like a rough part of town. With the higher population density, minor bar scuffles, etc. there are bound to mean more crime is reported, however that fact it’s generally a desirable area isn’t reflected. Comparing neighborhoods that are of the same make up or coming up with a formula to compensate for different population densities would help make it a better tool for real world use. For example, the number of crime’s reported per 1,000 residents or number of break in’s per 1000 residences, etc. would make it a much more valuable tool.
Has anyone actually read the terms of use for that site? It’s a little absurd. I almost want to put together a report with the stats on there out of spite.
You cannot, nor can anyone else on your behalf, sue the Edmonton Police Service, or anyone else associated with this website, for anything related to this website and the information in it;
While the Edmonton Police Service will endeavor to provide accurate and timely information on the website, delays, inaccuracies and omissions can occur, so caution is necessary;
While it is acceptable to pass the website link on to others in your community, you will not share the information found on the website with others other than with members of the Edmonton Police.
That’s the second dumbest thing I’ve ever seen the City of Edmonton do.