A GEOSPATIAL ANALYSIS OF SIMPLE ASSAULTS IN MISSOULA: TEMPORAL AND LAND USE CATEGORY TRENDS

This study observes and analyzes the specific geographic locations where simple assault was seen to occur most frequently inside Missoula city limits from 2015 to 2023. Secondary data was sourced and collected from the Missoula City Police Department using their local records system, LERMS (Law Enforcement Records Management System). The data was broken down into eight land use categories that exhibited a high frequency of assault: homeless/mission shelters, schools, retail establishments, alcohol serving venues, medical centers, government/public buildings, residential, and hospitality. Results found distinct temporal patterns between land use categories with specific hour blocks seen to have more assaults occurring within that time frame compared to others. This study highlights the importance of considering both time and space when examining crime as a whole.