Police predict crimes before they happen

SANTA CRUZ, California

They're using an algorithm, which is a complicated math equation, to predict crimes like car thefts and burglaries before they happen.

The program generates ten "Hot Spot" maps each day letting officers know when and where a crime is likely to occur.

With police departments facing budget cuts across the country, the system gives them another tool.

Santa Cruz police say the program led to 13 arrests last year. They also saw an 11% drop in burglaries.

The Los Angeles police department is following suit.

In three months, they found the algorithm twice as accurate as crime analysts in predicting crime.

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