Biography
I’m a Data Scientist specialising in geographical information, with core interests in crime analysis, problem-solving approaches (including problem-oriented policing), and the use of evidence-based strategies, particularly those that apply to place-based interventions.
With nearly 20 years of experience across roles in community safety, intelligence, strategic analysis, and data science, I’ve built a career around using data to drive innovation in frontline policing. I’m an expert problem-solving practitioner, having developed analytical products to support operational policing and strategic decision-making. My work has been recognised with multiple awards, including the Tilley Award for Excellence in Problem-Oriented Policing (2012) and the Herman Goldstein Award (2013, 2015).
My projects span a range of public safety challenges, including:
- Using data and analysis to support problem oriented policing and situational crime prevention (including burglary, gang violence and street robbery)
- Developing statistical models to forecast individuals at risk of exposure to weapon-enabled harm
- Applying spatial regression models to understand environmental factors contributing to serious violence and public space sexual offences
I also maintain an open-source site featuring crime analysis tools and resources designed to support public safety professionals and policing analysts in developing technical skills and applying data-driven methods to real-world problems.
Education and Professional Qualifications
- 2020-2021 Cambridge Centre for Evidence-Based Policing (evidence-based policing)
- 2007-2009 Jill Dando Insitute of Crime Science (problem-oriented policing and problem-solving analysis)
- 2003-2006 De Montfort University (2:1 Human Geography BA)
Practitioner Honours and Awards
- 2024 Excellence in Service NPCC Digital Data and Technology Awards for applied Geospatial Data Science, Metropolitan Police
- 2021 Commendation for work implementing risk-based policing and reducing public space violence, Essex Police
- 2021 Innovation of the Year in recognition of innovative work that has benefitted Essex Police
- 2015 Winner Herman Goldstein Problem-Oriented Policing Excellence Awards: ‘Safe & Sound: Managing the night-time economy’, LB Havering and Metropolitan Police
- 2013 Winner Herman Goldstein Problem-Oriented Policing Excellence Awards: ‘Tackling Gangs and Serious Youth Violence in North London’, LB Enfield, LB Haringey and Metropolitan Police
- 2012 Winner Tilley Problem Solving Awards: ‘Tackling Gangs and Serious Youth Violence in North London’, LB Enfield, LB Haringey and Metropolitan Police
- 2012 Commendation Assistant Commissioner of Met Police for excellence in problem-solving analysis
- 2011 Runner-up Herman Goldstein Problem-Oriented Policing Excellence Awards: ‘Safe as Houses’, LB Enfield and Metropolitan Police
- 2011 Runner-up Herman Goldstein Problem-Oriented Policing Excellence Awards: ‘Gangs Action Group’, LB Enfield and Metropolitan Police
Peer-reviewed works
- Sidebottom, A., Agar, I., Brennan, I., Chainey, S. (2024). Problem Solving Violent Crime: A Guide for Analysts. College of Policing. report
- Agar, I et al (2023). The Essex Risk-Based Policing Initiative: Evidence-Based Practices in Problem Analysis and Crime Prevention in the UK. Justice Quarterly. article
- Sidebottom, A., Agar, I. & Kurland, J. (2023). Do increases in the price of fuel increase levels of fuel theft? Evidence from England and Wales. Crime Science 12, 7. article
- Bullock, K., Agar, I., Ashby, M. et al. (2023). Police practitioner views on the challenges of analysing and responding to knife crime. Crime Science 12, 2. article
- Agar, I. (2022). Problem-Solving and SARA. In: Bland, M., Ariel, B., Ridgeon, N. (eds) The Crime Analyst’s Companion. Springer, Cham. chapter
- Sidebottom A, Brennan I, Agar I, Ashby M, Bullock K, Hales G and Tilley N. (2021). ‘Knife crime: A problem-solving guide’. College of Policing. report
- Basford, L., Sims, C., Agar, I. et al. Effects of One-a-Day Foot Patrols on Hot Spots of Serious Violence and Crime Harm: a Randomised Crossover Trial. Camb J Evid Based Polic 5, 119–133 (2021). article
Professional Service
- 2023-2024 Judge for the 2023 and 2024 National Problem Solving Awards (Tilley Awards)
- 2021-2023 Guideline committee for Problem-Oriented Policing POP Guidelines
- 2020 to date Maintain website aimed at current and aspiring crime analysts @routineactivity resource site
Skills
- Python, SQL (MSSQL, PostgreSQL), R
- Microsoft O365, Azure, DataBricks and PowerBI
- GIS database and desktop software (including QGIS, ArcPro, MapInfo)
- Data Science and Geospatial Data Science Methods
- Crime and intelligence analysis