Application of Geographic Information Systems in Crime Scene Mapping in Abuja Municipal Area Council

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) offer forensic investigators powerful tools for spatial analysis of crime patterns, enhancing both scene documentation and strategic crime prevention planning. This study examines the application of GIS technology in crime scene mapping and forensic spatial analysis in the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) between 2020 and 2024. A professional application research design was used, collecting data from interviews with twelve forensic investigators and GIS analysts within the Nigeria Police Force Federal Capital Territory Command, review of twenty-five crime mapping outputs, and assessment of the department's GIS software and data management infrastructure. The study evaluates the accuracy, utility, and operational integration of GIS-based crime mapping in the AMAC forensic workflow. Findings indicate that while the FCT police command maintains a GIS unit, its outputs are rarely integrated into active forensic investigations, being used primarily for retrospective reporting. Coordinate accuracy and georeferencing of crime scenes were identified as technical weaknesses due to reliance on smartphone GPS devices without field calibration. The study further notes a disconnect between GIS analysts and frontline forensic investigators in terms of operational priorities. Recommendations include the development of a forensic GIS integration protocol for the FCT command, investment in precision GPS equipment, and joint training programmes for investigators and spatial analysts. Keywords: geographic information systems, crime mapping, forensic investigation, Abuja, spatial analysis.