Data analytics for early intervention and crime prevention

This project will explore ways to exploit data resources held by South Yorkshire Police and other agencies and departments to help inform strategic decisions and specific interventions. Drawing on data analytical methods and relevant social theory, the project will explore how linking data from crime, social services and education could help identify vulnerable individuals who need additional support to prevent them becoming victims or perpetrators of crime. An example might be developing a model that predicts the risk of exclusion from school, which can then be used to target support services and interventions to help avoid exclusion taking place. Another possible avenue to explore will be the developing light touch data linkage options that allow the police and other services to identify when a child is missing from a key database (such as school or health records), which might indicate that the child is at risk of exploitation. The project will place the student at the cutting-edge of evidence-based approaches to reduce crime and help vulnerable groups. There may also be opportunities to link this research with the troubled families initiative and other schemes that provide resources for intervention.