Hmmm... Hard to believe they're doing it.

[NARFALICIOUS]

At least they're trying new tactics instead of just business as usual.

[Chicago76]

This reminds me of the Big Data thing NYC was doing for building inspections. It turns out, stat nerds could figure out which buildings were most at risk for fire and safety hazards, which meant inspectors were directed to the worst buildings (those that seasoned inspectors couldn't tell were illegally converted to multi-units from a quick glance):

Big Data excerpt: How Mike Flowers revolutionized New York’s building inspections. - Slate Magazine

Criminals aren't necessarily stupid. If they think you're watching them specifically much more closely, then a certain percentage of them will be somewhat deterred from committing a crime. A lot of guys won't care. A lot of them think they're invincible. A lot of them won't think it will lead to anything significant in terms of "heat". But some of them will.

[pnwmdk]

Originally Posted by CarolinaBredChicagoan

Well, clearly this is an easy idea to dump on, but something needs to change in those areas. Could a little proactivity do any harm, provided no one is being arrested or detained without cause?

Oh, I don't think it'll do any harm. The question is: What are we getting in return for the hours we pay these people for? Never let academics run the show, I say.