The use of citizen information in criminal investigation through a collaborative technological innovation process to counteract theft from persons in Bogotá

Abstract

Theft from persons is one of the highest impact crimes in Bogotá, with a national share of approximately 38 %. This crime brought to the attention of the authorities is referred to by academics as recorded or reported crime and is used by the police for different purposes, particularly for criminal investigation, but with inefficient results in the identification of perpetrators. Therefore, the type of research is qualitative and has the objective of linking the citizen through a process of collaborative technological innovation, with the purpose of collecting, processing and analysing reported or non-reported information (hidden crime) in a timely, anonymous and efficient manner with disruptive technologies prioritised for the project. The methodology used begins with the discovery stage by identifying key actors and building user stories. Then, in the understanding stage, the value proposition is put forth by means of a hypothesis that is validated in a process of experimentation, and finally, in the build stage, a technology watch analysis is carried out and the proposal for the collaborative system between the citizen and the police with a technological approach is put forward. The results are based on the identification and prioritisation of five technologies, two actors, three variables and application of six low and medium fidelity prototypes, as well as the acceptance of citizens in collecting and sharing timely information at 87 %; that information focuses on video, audio, photos and localisation at 55 %. On the other hand, with the entry into operation of the collaborative system, the researchers indicate that it would optimise investigation by 50 % through the timely identification of the perpetrators. As for the conclusion, the information analysed and obtained from the results allows to reach, in a first phase, validation of the established hypothesis, but at the same time recognising the importance of including methodologies such as System Dynamics that allow for the systemic analysis of the information established by other actors and its impact on the proposed collaborative system.