ABSTRACT
The State of Delaware has developed a uniquely comprehensive enterprisewide and statewide crime mapping, analysis, and reporting capability. Spearheaded by the Department of Public Safety (DPS), in Dover, Delaware, this project has over the last few years created a statewide GIS for crime mapping and analysis purposes. This GIS covers all forty-three jurisdictions in the state with local, county, or state law enforcement responsibilities. Delaware, the second smallest state in the nation, is 1,982 square miles in area. The state consists of three counties with a total population of about
760,000, much fewer than many cities and counties in the United States. The law enforcement branch for the state is the Department of Public Safety – Division of State Police (DSP) and is run by a superintendent with nine regions patrolled by troops. Crime has been on the decline over the past few years, with a 7 percent reduction from 1997 to 1998 and another 7 percent reduction from 1998 to 1999.
