Which of the following factors could be included in a crime trend analysis?

Patterns in seasonal crime rates are a significant factor in crime trend analysis because they provide empirical data that can reveal fluctuations in crime occurrence throughout different times of the year. For instance, certain types of crime may increase during specific seasons, such as thefts during the holiday shopping season or assaults during warmer months when more outdoor activities take place. Identifying these patterns allows law enforcement agencies to allocate resources more effectively, plan targeted interventions, and strategize patrols in response to anticipated peaks in criminal activity.

While personal anecdotes from officers, their personal experiences, and community perceptions of safety can offer valuable qualitative insights, they do not constitute systematic or quantifiable data that would typically inform crime trend analysis. These factors may influence police work and community relations but are not as critical to understanding overall crime trends as hard statistical data like seasonal crime rates.