The relationship between crime information centers and crime: A micro-synthetic evaluation of a district-level policing strategy

In 2018, the Baltimore Police Department established Baltimore City Intelligence Centers (BCICs) to strengthen criminal investigations and support more effective directed patrol operations. The BCICs were modeled after the Chicago Police Department's Strategic Decision Support Centers—more generically known as “crime information centers.” Like real-time crime centers (RTCCs), BCICs integrate technologies and intelligence to combat crime. However, while RTCCs are generally centralized within a jurisdiction, BCICs operate at the district level. This localized structure enables personnel to gather and disseminate intelligence tailored to specific geographic areas, supporting more targeted and proactive policing strategies. This study analyzes 10 years of Baltimore crime data (April 2013 to June, 2023) using micro-synthetic control models to evaluate the impact of four BCICs on crime levels. Findings reveal mixed effects across BCIC districts; however, the centers were generally associated with increases in recorded crime, particularly person crimes and incidents occurring outdoors. These findings likely reflect an improved capacity to detect and document crime that may have otherwise gone unreported. • Research on RTCCs and other law enforcement intelligence centers is limited. • Micro-synthetic control evaluation of crime information centers. • Significant variation in results across Baltimore police districts and crime types. • Centers associated with increases in crime across many models. • Use of real-time technologies likely increased detection and reporting of crime.