Social Simulation and Analysis of the Dynamics of Criminal Hot Spots
Authored by Tibor Bosse, Charlotte Gerritsen
Date Published: 2010-03
Sponsors:
No sponsors listed
Platforms:
A Language and Environment for Analysis of Dynamics by Simulation (LEADSTO)
Model Documentation:
Other Narrative
Model Code URLs:
http://www.cs.vu.nl/~wai/TTL/
Abstract
Within the field of Criminology, the spatio-temporal dynamics of crime are an important subject of study. In this area, typical questions are how the behaviour of offenders, targets, and guardians can be explained and predicted, as well as the emergence and displacement of criminal hot spots. In this article we present a combination of software tools that can be used as an experimental environment to address such questions. In particular, these tools comprise an agent-based simulation model, a verification tool, and a visualisation tool. The agent-based simulation model specifically focuses on the interplay between hot spots and reputation. Using this environment, a large number of simulation runs have been performed, of which results have been formally analysed. Based on these results, we argue that the presented environment offers a valuable approach to analyse the dynamics of criminal hot spots.
Tags
Agent-based modelling
Social simulation
Reputation
Analysis
Criminal Hot Spots
Displacement