Media Relations
University of South Florida
Polytechnic
3433 Winter Lake Road
Lakeland, FL 33803
(863) 667-7077
Fax (863) 667-7097
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Contact:
Tom Hagerty
(863)
667-7077
LAKELAND,
FL (July 5, 2007) - Beginning this fall, the University of South Florida Lakeland will offer the first crime mapping and analysis class in the USF system. Professor Kim Lersch, Ph.D., who will teach the course, says it developed in response to the needs of students.
“The advent of desktop computers and easy-to-use geographic information systems has allowed crime mapping and analysis to flourish within law enforcement agencies,” says Dr. Lersch. “Mapping technology has been around since the 1980s, but only recently has it become more affordable and more user-friendly.”
Crime mapping helps explain patterns of incarceration and recidivism, helps target resources and evaluate crime prevention or crime reduction programs, and furthers the understanding of causes of crime. Using crime mapping technology, analysts can better understand where crime occurs and devise strategies to target resources, and formulate strategies to fight crime.
The crime mapping and analysis class is part of USF Lakeland’s new online program that offers a bachelor of science in applied science (BSAS) degree with a concentration in Criminal Justice.
“This class will be very hands on,” says Dr. Lersch. “The smaller class sizes at USF Lakeland make an ideal learning environment for this type of class. It fits perfectly with our polytechnic vision.”
According to Dr. Lersch, the class is filling rapidly, but some slots are still available.
“We think students, many of whom will be working law enforcement officers, will appreciate the convenience of online learning as they prepare for future opportunities,” says Dr. Lersch. “My goal is to help them better understand and use crime mapping and analysis, which in turn gives them another skill for career advancement. “
Local law enforcement officials have responded positively.
“I’m excited to see this class being offered at USF Lakeland,” says Sheriff Grady Judd. “By using cutting edge technology, such as crime mapping analysis, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office has been able to successfully fight crime. Having this class taught online emphasizes the importance of our community’s commitment to keeping law enforcement personnel well trained and using the most sophisticated tools available.”
To prepare to teach this new course offering, Dr. Lersch, recently promoted to full professor, is taking a geographic information system class in the Geography department at USF’s Tampa campus this summer. Last year she took part in USF Lakeland’s Faculty Technology Integration Institute, which helped her become familiar with such teaching tools as Blackboard, Smartboard and Elluminate. She is also working with local law enforcement agencies to acquire “real world” crime data for student use.
For more information on the crime mapping and analysis course or other criminal justice courses, contact Dr. Jackie Reece at (863) 667-7727 or (800) USF-5636. Email jacreece@lakeland.usf.edu
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