Charleston PD and computers predict crime spots

CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) — The Charleston Police Department is using computer software to better identify crime hot spots and prevent crimes before they happen.

The department said Monday it is using predictive analytics software from IBM in a pilot project to identify places where there is crime and to better allocate police resources.

The computer system quickly analyzes past and present crime records and evaluates incident and arrest patterns throughout the city.

By centralizing the information, the department has a better idea of where crime is happening. That allows the department to allocate officers to prevent crimes in those areas.