The answer to this question is that there are many methods of collecting, storing, and retrieving information needed for crime analysis. These include surveillance technologies such as CCTV cameras and license plate readers; open source intelligence systems such as social media monitoring; database management systems like GIS mapping; and data mining techniques such as predictive analytics. All of these have their own importance in helping law enforcement personnel identify patterns or trends in criminal activity.

Surveillance technologies are a key part of crime analysis because they provide real-time video footage or still images which can be used to monitor suspects, track movements within an area, or map out networks of criminal activity. For example, closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras are widely deployed by police forces around the world today and have been found to be effective at both deterring crime and assisting in investigations when cases do arise (Yap et al., 2019). License plate readers also play an important role in crime analysis since they can detect vehicles entering or leaving certain areas which could indicate suspicious behavior.