Problem Analysis Triangle

The problem analysis triangle identifies the basic elements that facilitate or impede crime in order [Page 298]to guide how crime is examined and ultimately addressed (see Figure 1). Also known as the “crime triangle,” it treats problems as the unit of analysis in crime prevention and therefore provides the foundation for the SARA problem-solving process (scanning, analysis, response, assessment) that underlies problem-oriented policing, which informs situational crime prevention.

Figure 1 Problem Analysis Triangle

Source: Center for Problem Oriented Policing. (2013). Problem analysis triangle. Retrieved from http://www.popcenter.org/learning/60steps/index.cfm?stepNum=8. Reprinted by permission.

Although it is referred to as a single triangle, the problem analysis triangle has been adapted over time and now consists of several embedded, complementary triangles—with the arms of each triangle representing a different intervention point that can aid ...