Swine - flu and epidemic modelling

Mathematical models are useful weapons in the crime-fighting arsenal. With the development of cheaper and more powerful computers, mathematical modelling of systems representing some aspect of crime or criminal behaviour and the analysis of the resulting numerical solutions is becomingmore popular. Models may be and numerical simulation via the computer must be used to determine their approximate solutions. These solutions may be in the form of graphs showing the system’s behaviour over time as well as its sensitivity to variations in key model parameters. Mathematical modelling and numerical simulation of systems have once again resulted in a friendship of sorts between used to guide decision-making, develop policies or to evaluate specific strategies aimed at reducing crime. This review provides an introduction to some relatively recent mathematical models of crime.