AMETHYST's intelligence
hub is a GIS-based information sharing system designed as a
'one-stop-shop' to map crime with local community data and share
with partner agencies across Cornwall. Cornwall and the Isles
of Scilly have a strong partnership foundation and recognise
that crime reduction is not solely the responsibility of the
Police, but is the joint responsibility of Police, local authorities
and other partner organisations.
AMETHYST was established
in 2001 as the central intelligence unit for community safety
in Cornwall in response to the growing demand to collect, analyse
and share local multi-agency information to support Crime and
Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP). By sharing information,
patterns of crime will be identified along with the underlying
causes; leading to more informative evidenced-based decision
making and effective targeting of resources to reduce crime
and the fear of crime.
AMETHYST's development
was funded by the Home Office, and through its developing success
has gained both national and international recognition. The
intelligence hub and the analytical products produced by the
intelligence team have been cited as good practice, and have
been referenced in: 'Delivering
Safer Communities' the Home Office guide to effective partnership
working, Crime
Mapping-Improving Performance -Police Standards Unit and
the technical user reference book 'GIS
and Crime Mapping' by Spencer Chainey & Professor
Jerry Ratcliffe .
The AMETHYST system is
built upon several industry standards, including ERSI, for Web
Mapping production and display. The system comprises, a secure
intelligence hub (developed by Infotech
Enterprises Europe) to store and map data within a secure
environment, and a public facing web site, including the 'Cornwall
Crime Explorer'. The public Crime Explorer is the result of
a collaborative effort between Amethyst and GeoWise
to produce a rich internet application for displaying crime
information.
AMETHYST INTELLIGENCE HUB
