see below) to view an Excel data matrix representing an initial crime pattern. This file contains 12 cases that resulted from an initial pattern identification. However, not all of these cases are part of the final pattern. So, your assignment is to use the three-step process for pattern finalization presented in Chapter 9 to finalize the pattern and determine the subset of cases that comprise the final pattern. Once you have finalized the pattern, include the following information in a short paper using these numbers and headers:
- Type of Pattern: Determine what type of pattern the cases represent (e.g., series, spree, hotspot), and justify your decision. (By “justify,” I mean explain why you think the pattern is this type. Do not simply define the pattern type. Instead, explicitly link the definition of the pattern type to this particular crime pattern.)
- Principal Case: List the case number of the principal case(s), and justify your decision.
- Three Key Characteristics of the Pattern: List the three most important key characteristics (i.e., name the three variables from the database) that you used to match the principal case to other cases, and justify why you selected each characteristic/variable.
- Other Cases in the Pattern: List each one of the case numbers for the other cases in the pattern, and justify why each of these cases is included in the final pattern. That is, after each case number, write at least once complete sentence explaining why that case was included in the final pattern. (Hint: Remember the three key characteristics.)
- Cases NOT in the Pattern: List each one of the case numbers for the cases you did not include in the pattern, and justify why each of these cases is not included in the final pattern.
- Pattern Summary: Write a short paragraph that summarizes the MO and another that summarizes the suspect description. (See Chapter 11 for guidance on writing a pattern summary.)
- Recommended Police Response: Write one paragraph identifying appropriate tactical responses police could use for this pattern. Be specific and clear, drawing from Chapter 10.
Please note that a large part of this assignment is document your reasoning regarding why some cases are in the pattern while others are not. Don’t skimp on the justification parts!