Spatial Autocorrelation and Impacts on Criminology

Abstract

Despite criminology's widespread application of geography, the full implications of Cliff and Ord's article have yet to be realized. In this essay the major types of spatial studies in criminology are outlined, followed by a depiction of the context of criminological research at the time the article was published. Next the major changes to the field occurring after the publication of Cliff and Ord's paper, focusing on technology advances and theory, are set out. Fortunately these changes mean the discipline is well placed to move beyond seeing the presence of spatial autocorrelation as a methodological issue that needs to be explained away.