Investigating Shot Street Signs

This project investigated the features surrounding a crime scene, in particular shot street signs, and collected data of the associated features in a specific survey tool created especially for this study. Focusing on regional areas in Geelong, Victoria Australia, over 130 shot street signs were identified and key parameters distinguishing them were pinpointed. Two methods were utilised in order to collect the sign data, one was a manual method which involved driving around prescribed roads physically looking for shot signs. The other method was using Google maps street view to travel down more major roads and collect information on the shot signs found along those roads that were unsafe to stop on during the manual method. This was performed in order to see if online data could be generated on this topic improving the safety aspects of the program. Signs were documented using a survey template created with advice from Victoria Police who were interested in a survey that could be used to collect the information of a crime scene in a more efficient and effective way. Another aim of this project was to collect data relating to the daily traffic for areas of interest, dictated from the sign collection part of the study. Morning, midday and night traffic was collected during the working weekdays. The results from this study supported what has been found in previous work; shot signs are more commonly found on major roads that are well maintained, are in more rural areas, and correlate with population density. The outcomes of this project were able to reveal future opportunities for law enforcement to collect data more efficiently in some crime scene situations. It also shows the opportunities that exist in using Google maps street view as a tool for future insights into monitoring locations and collecting more data that can help highlight areas of interest particularly for shot street signs. This platform survey approach will aid future policing efforts, help highlight future research concepts and add to the pre-existing research in this area.