Biography
I am currently a Data Scientist specialising in geographical information. My main interests are crime analysis, problem-solving analysis (and problem-oriented policing) and evidence-based policing, particularly for applying place strategies.
Operating for almost 20 years as a community safety crime analyst, intelligence analyst, strategic analyst and data scientist, I have extensive experience collating data and presenting compelling cases for innovation in frontline policing. I am an expert problem-solving practitioner who has developed analytical products to inform operational policing and decision-making. I have been awarded for analysis and problem solving having won the Tilley Award for Excellence in Problem-Oriented Policing (2012) and twice the Herman Goldstein Award for Excellence in Problem-Oriented Policing (2013, 2015).
My work has leveraged data and analysis to inform situational crime prevention techniques (including burglary, gang violence and street robbery), machine learning statistical forecasts to identify prospective perpetrators of weapon-enabled harm, and risk-terrain modelling to understand geographical contributors to patterns of serious violence and public space sexual offences.
I maintain an open-source website which provides a range of crime analysis tools and resources for use in crime prevention efforts. This is to support those in public safety or policing data roles interested in developing technical skills and learning methods that can be applied to improving public safety.
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
- 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.
- 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 and PowerBI products
- GIS database and desktop software (including QGIS, ArcPro, MapInfo)
- Data Science and Geospatial Data Science Methods
- Crime and intelligence analysis