Hot spots can be identified more easily, but this does not mean that other areas need to be monitored. Nor does it mean the department must rely completely on crime mapping data. Crime mapping is just one tool among many that our officers should be equipped with. However, it is one of the most popular and versatile tools, as it can be used by detectives, policemen and rank-and-file officers. Officers themselves are the most important asset to the department, crime mapping simply better equips them to handle what they encounter on a daily basis