Manchester Metropolitan University has joined forces with Greater Manchester Police on a new big data project, to tackle crime and disorder.
It will be led by the University’s Crime and Wellbeing Big Data Centre (BDC) and combines criminology with the analysis of big data, to help the police to improve efficiency and use resources more effectively.
“Our BDC leads the way in data science, statistical analysis and technological innovation. With these practices, we can help guide GMP towards planning service delivery – for example, through predicting future demand,” explained Professor Jon Bannister, director of the Crime and Wellbeing BDC.
“We believe that this project will offer a unique opportunity to help GMP deliver social impact across the region. An important aspect of this project is the impact it will have on society within Greater Manchester. The project will build on existing projects such as our partnership with Moss Side Probation Service, our community-led education projects and our training courses, to make a wide range of positive contributions to the wellbeing of the people of Greater Manchester.”
The £1m BDC has been created to analyse the vast amounts of data produced and collected by government departments, businesses and other organisations.
“GMP welcomes the opportunity to collaborate with a local academic partner of the calibre of Manchester Metropolitan University, in what is an exciting and innovative development,” added Ian Pilling, deputy chief constable of Greater Manchester Police.
“As a service we are seeking to embrace this scientific field, supported by advances in our own technology, to improve how we deliver policing in communities as part of a wider transformation of 21st century public service in Greater Manchester.”
Some of the areas where academics believe it will be able help GMP, is through shaping recruitment and training, to anticipate future demand and decision on deployment of staff.
