Quantitative methods in criminology

Quantitative methods in criminology is an umbrella term used to describe statistical tools and approaches used to objectively measure and analyze crime-related data.

However, the integration of quantitative methods in the field of criminology occurred later during the 19th-century resurgence of positivism spearheaded by well-known sociologist Émile Durkheim.

[2] Some early criminologist theorists were Karl Marx, Cesare Lombroso, Jeremy Bentham, and Émile Durkheim and since their days, there have not been many changes to how quantitative methods in criminology are conducted.

Quantitative research methods in criminology are defined as techniques that record variations in social life through categories that can be quantified, often involving surveys and experiments.

[3] This approach to research distinguishes itself from qualitative methods by striving for objectivity; it relies less on subjective interpretation and more on impartial analysis of numerical data to draw conclusions about criminal behavior and its implications.

[9] Quantitative methods enable objective measures of crime trends, patterns and rates and reduces the use of anecdotal evidence.

Quantitative analysis can provide support for theoretical explanations of crime and help prove and disprove theories regarding it.

Law enforcement is starting to integrate artificial intelligence models to predict potential locations, people and crimes based on past data.

[13] Law enforcement is looking to implement facial recognition tools to identify and locate people of interest, as well as enhance surveillance systems.