The software portion of CompStat (Computer Statistics/Comparative Statistics) is generally regarded as the precursor to later systems for predictive policing.
CompStat originated in the New York City Police Department (NYPD), when Police Commissioner William Bratton in 1994 introduced a data-driven management model for the NYPD.
It is implemented as combination of a management philosophy, and an organizational and information management system. The system allows police department executives to discover spikes in crimes using comparative statistics, and address those spikes through the use of targeted enforcement. Originally, it was modeled after the "broken windows" theory, whereby minor crimes would be addressed in order to reduce major crimes. However, over time, its use evolved into a mangement system whereby productivity of patrols was measured and individual officers held accountable for spikes in crime.
CompStat is implemented in other police departments, and is commercially available as turnkey packages (i.e. computer systems, geographical information systems, electronic maps, software, mobile devices, and other implements) assembled under the heading of "CompStat".