Police Operations Research Articles

Setting priorities for police operations by using a multicriteria decision approach with partial information

Abstract The paper presents a real-world decision-making problem in the context of the Brazilian Federal Police (BFP), which consists of establishing priorities for Police Operations. This study deals with allocating resources to trigger police operations that, while demanding more resources and specialized techniques, also promote the effectiveness of police actions more conspicuously and directly. Driven by the Value Focused Thinking methodology, the objectives and values of the Federal Police were structured and represented by criteria, which let police operations be evaluated and prioritized. The FITradeoff method was applied to rank the operations, with an innovative methodological perspective, which integrates two different paradigms for preference modelling: elicitation by decomposition and holistic evaluations. A mathematical modelling approach is presented to deal with the combination of both types of information obtained by the Decision Maker (DM), in order to search for dominance relations between alternatives. This study shows how incorporating holistic judgments in the process can be useful for tightening the decision process, since the inequalities obtained with holistic judgments have a high impact on the space of weights compatible with the DM’s preferences. A clear conceptual framework is presented for the analysis, showing how the application of such a combined approach to prioritizing special police operations adds a step to the decision-making processes and policies of the BFP, thereby broadening the managerial implications of tackling public security issues by seeking to solve them using management mathematics.

Implementing community policing practices to manage conflict resolution in Galeshewe, South Africa

Community policing has emerged as a vital instrument for combatting crime and enhancing public safety in South Africa. As a result, it has the capacity to go beyond traditional law enforcement functions as a mediator in disputes, fostering improved relationships between the police and the communities where they work. This paper analyses the implementation of community policing strategies by the South African police with the purpose of resolving conflicts. This study aims to address social crime prevention-related concerns through community policing methods in the Galeshewe police area within the Francis Baard policing regions of the Sol Plaatje Municipality, South Africa. The paper examines the tactics that community police employ to enforce the law, avoid social issues, and manage conflict resolution in the communities. A qualitative method and descriptive design were employed. Comprehensive document analysis, semi-structured interviews, and observations were employed as data collection strategies. An inductive reasoning model was used to analysis data. The findings of the study demonstrated that community policing plays an important role in optimizing problem mapping and it increases public knowledge of the importance of upholding security and order in the different police operations that support the community policing program.

Creating Solvability With Real-Time Crime Centers (RTCCs): Impacts on Homicide and Shooting Investigations

Amidst recent increases in homicides and shootings in the United States, clearances rates for homicides have declined and nonfatal shooting cases remain notoriously difficult to solve. Considerable research indicates that the outcomes of homicide and shooting investigations are likely influenced by a range of factors, including inherited case characteristics, investigative actions, forensic testing, and agency resources. Recent advancements in technologies available to law enforcement may help fill persistent gaps in solvability, but research remains limited on their effectiveness. RTCCs integrate a variety of technological innovations and software programs to rapidly receive and distribute information to support police operations, and they harness the strong potential to powerfully impact investigative outcomes and offer an additional pathway through which police agencies can increase case clearance. The current study explores the impact of strategic efforts in the Hartford Police Department (HPD) to increase investigative effectiveness through RTCC processes and technologies. Our findings indicate that RTCC activities significantly increase the likelihood that a case is solved, and this effect is primarily due to RTCC analysts’ ability to locate and analyze video associated with the case. When associated video was located, cases were 442% more likely to be solved when controlling for other covariates. The HPD’s RTCC operations, institutionalized technology, and organizational culture also play a crucial role, with a commitment to technology and information-sharing enhancing investigative capabilities. This study emphasizes the effectiveness of real-time crime centers in locating digital evidence, facilitating rapid information dissemination, and fostering agencywide collaboration, ultimately improving investigative outcomes.

Level of Compliance on Operation Plan Sita in Golden Acres Subdivision Annex, Talon Uno Las Piñas City

Operation Plan Sita in Golden Acres Subdivision Annex, Talon Uno, Las Piñas City. In the determination of Level of Compliance of Operation Plan Sita in Golden Acres Subdivision Annex, Talon Uno Las Piñas City, it was divided into three (3) indicators: Oplan Sita Guidelines, Basic equipment needed at Oplan Sita and Oplan Sita Team. First, Oplan Sita Guidelines got a general weighted mean of 3.25 interpreted as Complied, PNP Personnel complies with the standards set by the Revised Philippine National Police Operational Procedures 2013, in terms of Oplan Sita Guidelines as perceived by the respondents of this study. Second, Basic equipment needed at Oplan Sita got a general weighted mean of 3.69 interpreted as Very Much Complied, it implies that PNP Personnel completely comply with the standards set by the Revised Philippine National Police Operational Procedures 2013, in terms of Basic equipment needed as perceived by the respondents of this study. Third, Oplan Sita Team got a general weighted mean of 3.42 interpreted as Very Much Complied which implies that PNP Personnel was Very much Complied in accordance with the standards set by the Revised Philippine National Police Operational Procedures 2013, in terms of Oplan Sita Team as perceived by the respondents of this study.

뉴욕경찰청의 알고리즘 예측치안 전략의 논쟁점

The purpose of this study is to examine the controversies surrounding the algorithmic predictive policing strategy adopted by the New York Police Department. NYPD is very active in pursuing algorithmic predictive policing strategies, but it is facing a variety of criticisms, including: First, personal information collection activities for predictive security violate the ideology of the Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which prohibits invasion of privacy. Second, as the police rely on instructions generated by algorithmic predictions, police operations are becoming dehumanized. Third, the police exercise their police authority intensively against dangerous people or dangerous areas, and there is a risk that these people will eventually be negatively stigmatized and become criminals. Fourth, the police unilaterally exercise police power based on algorithmic predictions, rather than a two-way police service that reflects the needs of citizens or the community. Fifth, the efficiency of algorithmic predictive policing has not been verified, and the problem of contamination of used big data is being raised. Sixth, it is impossible to confirm whether the data provided by the police to private companies is opaque and secure. Seventh, there is the irrationality of Police power being replaced by private companies' for-profit businesses. Eighth, the New York Police Department is subject to monitoring of algorithmic predictive policing through the Local Law in Relation to Automated Decision Systems Used by Agencies and Public Oversight of Surveillance Technology(POST) Act, but the problems remain unresolved. Ninth, the New York Police Department continues to engage in legal disputes with human rights watchdog groups such as the Brennen Center over the non-disclosure of algorithmic predictive security information, losing most cases, raising questions about the legality of big data collection and management.

Data-driven dynamic police patrolling: An efficient Monte Carlo tree search

Crime is responsible for major financial losses and serious harm to the well-being of individuals, and, hence, a crucial task of police operations is effective patrolling. Yet, in existing decision models aimed at police operations, microscopic routing decisions from patrolling are not considered, and, furthermore, the objective is limited to surrogate metrics (e.g., response time) instead of crime prevention. In this paper, we thus formalize the decision problem of dynamic police patrolling as a Markov decision process that models microscopic routing decisions, so that the expected number of prevented crimes are maximized. We experimentally show that standard solution approaches for our decision problem are not scalable to real-world settings. As a remedy, we present a tailored and highly efficient Monte Carlo tree search algorithm. We then demonstrate our algorithm numerically using real-world crime data from Chicago and show that the decision-making by our algorithm offers significant improvements for crime prevention over patrolling tactics from current practice. Informed by our results, we finally discuss implications for improving the patrolling tactics in police operations.

Investigating organised human trafficking crimes: case studies of police investigations in England

ABSTRACT Investigating organised human trafficking criminality is neither easy nor straightforward. Among the complexity is the need to balance and secure multiple, and often competing, investigative goals. Using case studies of actual human trafficking investigations in England, the present exploratory study provides insights into the tensions between safeguarding victims while also (at the same time) building up evidence against those who exploit them in order to secure a successful prosecution. Findings reveal that factors associated with the assessed level of risk of victims, the intelligence available at the start of the investigation and police resources (balanced with opportunities and risk to secure the investigative goals) influence the investigative approach followed and strategies implemented, particularly those aiming to engage with victims. The exploratory findings illustrate the importance of intelligence in risk assessment and decision-making processes during police operations, but also the need to conduct yet further research on risk assessment within the context of human trafficking investigations to inform policy and decision-making policing practices.

Through the Lens of Accountability: Body-Worn Cameras in Police Operations at Pampanga Police Provincial Office

This study evaluates the compliance of the Pampanga Provincial Police Office with the use of body-worn cameras and alternative recording devices during police operations in the province Pampanga and examines the severity of problems encountered in their use. Specifically, it assesses compliance in terms of procedural fairness, police performance, data protocols, privacy concerns, and camera benefit while investigating the relationship between compliance levels and encountered problems. It hypothesizes that higher compliance levels are associated with fewer operational problems and that certain areas, such as data protocols and privacy, may present greater challenges. A descriptive correlational design was used, employing structured questionnaires to gather data from 200 respondents, including police officers and community members. Key findings indicate a very high compliance level in using Body-Worn Cameras and Alternative Recording Devices (Mean = 3.49), but also highlight significant challenges, with an overall severity rating of problems as high (Mean = 2.81). Correlational analysis suggests a moderate positive relationship between perceived compliance and the severity of problems faced. The study recommends tailored training, procedural adjustments, and improved data management and privacy measures to address these challenges. Limitations of the study include potential biases in respondent perceptions and constraints in generalizing findings to other regions. Policymakers are urged to enhance transparency, accountability, and public trust in police practices to foster a safer community environment in Pampanga Province.

Police vehicle contamination by inorganic gunshot residue (iGSR) in Zagreb County Police Administration (Croatia): Analysis of characteristic and indicative particles across different vehicle parts and contributory risk factors.

Inorganic gunshot residue (iGSR) analysis, crucial for linking suspects to firearm use, faces challenges from potential environmental contamination, notably in police vehicles. The present study aimed to explore the level of iGSR contamination in police vehicles from the Zagreb County Police Administration (Croatia), considering particle types and their position in vehicles, and to identify associated risk factors. From December 2021 to April 2022, 65 of 86 police vehicles (margin of error: ±6% at a 95% confidence level) were sampled with GSR stubs on the drivers' seats, back seats, and backrests and analyzed using scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive x-ray analysis (SEM/EDX). Characteristic particles were found in 63.1% of vehicles, 33.8% on the driver's seat, and 24.6% on the back seat/backrest. Indicative particles were found in 70.77% of vehicles, with a fairly even distribution. McNemar's chi-square analysis showed no significant disparities in positive sample ratios across vehicle parts or particle types (p > 0.05). In total, 228 characteristic and 166 indicative GSR particles were identified, with no notable correlation among them (p = 0.346). Logistic regression analysis identified the transportation of individuals involved in firearms incidents as a statistically significant factor influencing the presence of characteristic particles (p = 0.030). The findings suggest a considerable prevalence of iGSR in the analyzed Police Administration unit, highlighting the need for careful contamination management in police operations to preserve evidence integrity, particularly in cases when individuals who used firearms had been transported in the vehicle.

The Value of Less-Lethal Weapons

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;">Less-Lethal Weapons, including electric Tasers, velocity-reduction bullet-capture projectiles, rubber bullets, beanbag rounds, and other less-lethal projectiles used in police departments, federal and local law enforcement agencies, and military policing operations, as well as for private use, are topics of significant debate in recent years. These weapons can reduce collateral damage, reputational risk, and legal exposure while preventing wrongful and unnecessary deaths caused by conventional bullet wounds. Yet, opponents have highlighted concerns regarding the safety and effectiveness of these weapons, as well as their potential to cause injury or even death. While the primary duty of law enforcement officials is to preserve order and execute the law while protecting individual rights, they ultimately achieve these goals by exercising their coercive authority. Society expects police officers to rely on their professional training and judgment when using physical force to defend citizens and themselves or to apprehend criminal suspects. Because police officers must occasionally participate in physical acts of coercion, it is unavoidable that some of these interactions may result in bodily injuries to individuals, including the officers themselves. These injuries have real costs, such as medical treatment, lost wages, municipal liability, court claims and settlements, riots, and legal or even criminal exposure, as well as less-tangible collateral costs, such as the erosion of police legitimacy and public trust, which are more difficult to quantify but arguably more influential in shaping long-term public perceptions than personal injuries alone. Less lethal technology eliminates some of the concerns raised by lethal weaponry. This study reviews the advantages and disadvantages of these less-lethal weapon technologies versus traditional firearms for use by the police force, federal agencies, and military police while also performing advanced analytics to model the valuation and return on investment for a law enforcement organization implementing such technologies.</span></p>

Network reliability evaluation and management science applications in resource allocation for police organizations

The effective allocation of resources within police patrol departments is crucial for maintaining public safety and operational efficiency. Traditional methods often fail to account for uncertainties and variabilities in police operations, such as fluctuating crime rates and dynamic response requirements. This study introduces a fuzzy multi-state network (FMSN) model to evaluate the reliability of resource allocation in police patrol departments. The model captures the complexities and uncertainties of patrol operations using fuzzy logic, providing a nuanced assessment of system reliability. Virtual data were generated to simulate various patrol scenarios. The model’s performance was analyzed under different configurations and parameter settings. Results show that resource sharing and redundancy significantly enhance system reliability. Sensitivity analysis highlights critical factors affecting reliability, offering valuable insights for optimizing resource management strategies in police organizations. This research provides a robust framework for improving the effectiveness and efficiency of police patrol operations under conditions of uncertainty.

“Video is only one little perspective”: Officer perceptions of body-worn cameras in a small community-oriented agency

This paper examines officer perceptions of body-worn cameras (BWCs) through semi-structured in-depth interviews with officers across ranks in a small community-oriented police agency. Giving voice to officers in a small agency, this study broadens prior knowledge gained from big agency studies and deepens existing understanding of officer perceptions of BWCs beyond a binary classification (either support or resistance). This approach provides a useful angle for scholars to bridge some gaps in the current literature and informs practitioners on how to improve policies for better utilization of BWCs in daily policing operations.

The Role Of Animal Police In The Process Of Disclosing A Crime (Study At The K-9 Unit Of Bali Regional Police)

The K-9 Unit of the Bali Regional Police is an elite unit specializing in using sniffer dogs to assist in various police operations, ranging from apprehending criminals and detecting narcotics, to search and rescue (SAR) operations. The ability of sniffer dogs to detect narcotics and explosives is crucial in crime prevention and control efforts. In Bali, an international tourist destination, the threat of narcotics smuggling is very high. Specially trained sniffer dogs can quickly identify the presence of these illegal substances in various locations, such as airports, seaports, and entertainment venues. This study aims to identify and analyze the role of the K-9 Unit of the Bali Regional Police in the process of crime disclosure. Through a qualitative approach with a case study method, data were collected through interviews, observations, and literature studies. Through methods of observation, interviews, and literature study, this research is expected to provide a comprehensive and in-depth overview of the role of the K-9 Unit of the Bali Regional Police. The K-9 Unit of the Bali Regional Police has a significant contribution to disclosing crimes by providing technical assistance using sniffer dogs, which have proven effective in crime scene investigation and have a direct impact on solving criminal cases. Factors affecting the effectiveness of this unit include public demand, environmental conditions, and the availability of human and animal resources. To optimize its role, it is necessary to enhance training, facilities, coordination with related parties, and regular evaluation of the unit's performance.

Transforming policing in Ghana through technology: a focus on police operations in the Greater Accra region

Integrating technology into policing has the potential to greatly improve the effectiveness, transparency, and community participation of law enforcement agencies. This study examines the profound influence of technology on the Ghana Police Service, with a specific emphasis on the Greater Accra Region. The main aim of this research is to examine how technological advancements might enhance police results and tackle existing difficulties in the context of law enforcement in Ghana. The study adopts a qualitative research approach and collects data from police officers and community members through the use of semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions. The investigation involved the participation of a combined total of twenty-six police officials from the Tema and Accra Regional Headquarters, as well as twenty-two community members. The data gathering procedure sought to gather a wide range of viewpoints on the present condition of technology in law enforcement, its advantages, difficulties, and prospects for future advancement. The results demonstrate that the utilisation of technology, such as mobile data terminals and social media platforms, can greatly improve the effectiveness of police operations, promote community involvement, and increase transparency. Nevertheless, the presence of obstacles such as insufficient infrastructure, cultural opposition, and the necessity for extensive training were also acknowledged. The research enhances the current knowledge by presenting empirical evidence on the benefits and constraints of technology in law enforcement, particularly in the setting of Ghana. This study emphasises the significance of making strategic investments in technology infrastructure and training, as well as the necessity of establishing legal frameworks to tackle ethical and privacy concerns. Additionally, it proposes that future studies should prioritise examining the enduring viability of technological advancements in law enforcement and investigating their effects in various geographical areas. The study suggests that politicians and law enforcement organisations should promote the deployment of technology in a way that is successful and build public trust in the Ghana Police Service.

Civil-Military Participation in Hostility Model: Theorizing attack of security personnel by civilians and vice versa

Theorizing civilian attacks on military and police officers in Ghana, the author adopted the Direct Participation in Hostilities concept applied in International Humanitarian Law during war time to protect civilians in the “Civil-Military Participation in Hostility Model”. It seeks to theorize the factors coalescing into incidence of hostilities during peace time by civilians against agents of State Security and vice versa. The Direct Participation in Hostilities refers to the cancellation of security protection of civilians during war, when they opt to participate in hostilities caused by the enemy, military or police intervention or operations. That conduct evaporates the expectation of protection from the military or police personnel, which makes the civilians targets in war times. In peace time, when civilians attack security personnel for cause or without cause, the withdrawal of protective performative services by State Security services should be the same as if it is war time situation justified by the concepts of self-defence and State Security. The “Civil-Military Participation in Hostilities Model” is a constructivist and realist approach to the resulting harm either perpetrated by civilians on the security personnel or the security personnel attacks due to civilian infractions or breach of public order. The eruption of hostilities from either angle may be due to the absence of a capable guardian or legal framework; and the absence of culpability, probity and accountability in security services delivery post-facto.

음주운전방지장치 부착 조건부면허 도입에 따른 정책적 및 기술적 고려사항에 관한 연구

Last year, there were 214 deaths from drunk driving traffic accidents in Korea, this rate is very high for 7.8% of all traffic accident deaths. Looking at the average drunk driving recidivism rate over the past five years, 44.5% of drunk drivers were repeat offenders. Despite the strengthening of drunk driving enforcement and punishments, drunk driving problems are still serious in Korea. In order to eradicate habitual drunk driving, an amendment to the Road Traffic Act about the legislation of alcohol ignition interlock device was passed last year in Korea, and it will be introduced in October of this year. In order to operate this system following the legalization of alcohol ignition interlock device effectively, the Road Traffic Act enforcement decree and enforcement rules must be established, and an operation manual must be also developed in accordance with Korean circumstances. To this end, this study was performed to identify policy issues and technical problems resulting from the introduction of alcohol ignition interlock device and to minimize them before operating this system targeting drunk driving repeat offenders. Policy issues were included the double punishment, privacy invasion due to excessive log data collection, operating costs, prior education programs and alcohol dependence of drunk drivers. Technical issues were also reviewed by considering National Police Agency standards, installation and operation management organizations and/or institutes, ignition prevention by proxy, log data management, system security, override function, and blood alcohol concentration display method. Finally, the limitations of this study and the implications of future researches were discussed. This study might be helpful to reduce alcohol related to traffic accidents effectively using an alcohol interlock system in Korea if policy makers can review these considerations closely.

Utilizing Blockchain Technology to Modernize Police Operations: Ensuring Security, Transparency, and Efficiency

This article explores the transformative potential of blockchain technology in police operations, focusing on enhancing security, transparency, and efficiency. Initially recognized for its role in cryptocurrencies, blockchain's inherent immutability and distributed ledger features are now being leveraged to revolutionize data management within law enforcement. The technology ensures the secure, auditable, and tamper-resistant recording of all transactions and data related to police operations, from investigation records to evidence management, ensuring accessibility only to authorized personnel. Key areas examined include the enhancement of security and transparency through blockchain's immutable and distributed records, ensuring data integrity and evidence management by providing an unalterable record of all transactions and data, and improving interoperability among various police departments and agencies. The integration of advanced technologies like Zero-Knowledge Proofs and Layer 2 solutions further strengthens privacy protection and operational speed, contributing to a more efficient and reliable police information system. Practical implementations in police departments worldwide, such as Delhi Police's blockchain initiative for evidence tracking and Dubai Police's collaboration with Cardano Blockchain for secure data sharing, demonstrate significant improvements in transparency, integrity, and security of processes. The article concludes by addressing the ongoing challenges of scalability, interoperability, and privacy, emphasizing the need for continued development and standardization to fully realize blockchain's benefits in modernizing police operations. By evaluating these aspects, the article highlights blockchain's critical role in the digital transformation of law enforcement, promoting greater public trust and cooperation among police units at both national and international levels.

Unravelling the dynamics of child sexual exploitation material circulation on the Dark Web.

In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the detection of child sexual exploitation material (CSEM), with perpetrators increasingly turning to advanced encryption technologies to conceal their activities. This study delves into data from a Brazilian Federal Police operation on the Tor network, aimed at disrupting these illicit activities. We uncovered patterns indicating strong user preferences for certain content categories, suggesting the existence of distinct groups with shared interests. Additionally, our findings reveal consistent activity patterns among users, including specific 24-hour, 12-hour, and 6-hour consumption cycles. This research offers insights into the online behavior related to CSEM, providing a foundation for further investigation and the development of effective policy measures.

A hatékony fellépést nehezítő jogi akadályok a hulladékká vált járművek közterületről történő eltávolításával összefüggésben

Aim: The aim of the study is to present the problem of the removal of vehicles left in public areas, which is a common problem in large cities, and which is little known by many, and to present the municipal police responses and possible solutions. Methodology: The authors of this paper, as law enforcement professionals with experience in municipal policing, analyse the legal environment related to the removal of abandoned vehicles from public areas, pointing out the obstacles and possible solutions. Findings: The police, as the state actors in the creation of our security, and in particular the activities of the police organisation, have been and are still dealt with in many different ways. However, only very few police researchers have focused their attention on the specialised bodies of policing, such as the municipal police force which is the subject of this study. The authors present a problem that affects many, but which is little known and little researched: the legal obstacles to effective law enforcement action in the context of the removal of abandoned vehicles from public spaces. Giving a glimpse into the complex workings of municipal law enforcement and the daily life of one of the specialised agencies responsible for providing security as part of our common mission. Value: The authors of the study wish to contribute to the comprehensive scientific research and mapping of the operation of municipal police forces, recognising the fact that the topic under research is a continuously topical issue of police operation, since the last two decades have brought about a number of unprecedented situations in the operation of the police. The quantitative and qualitative transformation of tasks and expectations also necessitates a reassessment of the relationship between the police and the municipal police. This study will help to examine these activities.

Extent of Implementation on the Use of Body Worn Camera in Police Operations: Basis for Enhanced Action Plan

This study aimed to evaluate the implementation on the use of body worn camera in police operations among police officers in Cebu City. It utilized descriptive comparative analysis, employing survey methods. However, it was confined to only 11 Police Stations in Cebu City. The participants consisted of 50 police officers who were selected to utilize body worn cameras, as well as 50 community people in the study area. The selection process for both groups involved purposive sample technique. The research instrument in this study was a survey questionnaire adopted from the operational guidelines and policies on the use of body worn camera during police operations of the Philippine National Police (2018). All the strands of the implementation on the use of body worn camera in police operations were rated by the respondents based on a 5-point scale. Data were analyzed using mean, and One Way Analysis of Variance. The community and law enforcement have overwhelmingly praised body-worn cameras for their major contribution to the development of good ties between the two groups. Cameras enhance accountability and transparency, thereby boosting public trust in the police force. Nevertheless, questions regarding the implications for privacy and safety persist. The presence of cameras has a beneficial effect on both workers and the community, strengthening public trust, enhancing accountability, and decreasing the use of force. In addition, they furnish substantiation to bolster law enforcement endeavors and settle conflicts. Effective community policing depends on establishing trust, which body-worn cameras help to do.