Agent-based decision-support systems for crime scientists

Abstract

This chapter provides an introduction to the application of agent-based modelling for the purposes of policy decision-support in the context of addressing crime problems. It outlines key attributes of the agent-based approach and discusses how simulation experiments can support and extend theoretical and empirical work in the field of crime science. Subsequently, it presents an illustrative agent-based model capable of evaluating the effectiveness of varying police calls for service despatch strategies.