Title

POSITIVE IMPACT OF CRIME MAPPING TECHNOLOGYINPATROLEFFICIENCY AND CRIME HOTSPOT IDENTIFICATION: AN APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY

Author(s)

AHAT, JEA MAE T.

AJEAS, JASTINE L.

BAYON-ON, NORGIE KHYLE

DELA VEGA, JOHN LUTHER

Affiliation

MISAMIS UNIVERSITY

Degree Program

Bachelor of Science In Criminology

Contributor

DANIEL, EDMAR R - ADVISER

GUPIT, ELMA FE E - PANEL MEMBER

MALDEPENA, KRISTAL V - PANEL MEMBER

CUEVAS JOSE JR. F- CHAIRMAN

ORONG, MARKDY Y - INSTRUCTOR

Year

2025

Abstract

Crime mapping technology had become an essential tool in modern policing, enabling law enforcement agencies to enhance patrol efficiency and accurately identify crime hotspots through data-driven strategies. This study explored the positive impact of crime mapping technology on patrol operations among six police officers in Misamis Occidental, emphasizing successful practices and strengths rather than challenges. Employing a qualitative research design guided by Appreciative Inquiry, the research focused on the lived experiences and positive perceptions of police officers who actively utilized crime mapping tools in their daily operations. Participants were purposively selected, and data were gathered through in-depth interviews to capture meaningful narratives regarding the effective use of crime mapping technology. Data analysis followed the Appreciative Inquiry 4D cycle—Discovery, Dream, Design, and Destiny—allowing the study to identify existing strengths, envision future possibilities, co-create strategies, and sustain positive practices. Several key themes emerged from the analysis, including data-driven patrol deployment, enhanced situational awareness, real-time response capabilities, capacity building through training, system integration, and strengthened community engagement. These findings highlighted how crime mapping technology supported proactive policing, improved operational decision-making, and fostered transparency and collaboration with the community. The study concluded that crime mapping technology significantly contributed to more efficient patrol operations and effective crime hotspot identification when supported by continuous training, reliable data management, and organizational commitment. It was therefore recommended that law enforcement agencies institutionalize best practices, strengthen technological capacity, and promote a strengths-based culture to sustain and maximize the positive impacts of crime mapping in policing.

Keywords

Keywords: community engagement, crime hotspot identification, data-driven decision-making, mapping, patrol, proactive policing, situational awareness, technology