Graduation Year

2025

Graduation Month

May

Document Type

Professional Paper

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts

School or Department

College of Humanities and Sciences

Major

Psychology

Faculty Mentor Department

Sociology and Criminology

Faculty Mentor

James Tuttle

Keywords

temporal patterns, land use categories, hot spots, spatial distribution, simple assault

Subject Categories

Criminology | Social and Behavioral Sciences

Abstract

This study observes and analyzes the time and geographic locations where simple assault was reported 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, Law Enforcement Records Management System (LERMS). The neighborhood data were 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, especially in the case of bars and alcohol outlets. This study highlights the importance of considering both time and space when examining patterns in crime.

Honors College Research Project

1

GLI Capstone Project

no

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