The growing complexity of crime in Latin America and the Caribbean, especially as a result of the growth, strengthening and transnationalization of organized crime, has generated additional challenges for the region, which hinder the work of security and justice institutions and, consequently, hinder the generation of more and better results in terms of reducing crime, violence and the feeling of insecurity.

In this context, the use of criminal analysis is becoming increasingly essential, as it allows law enforcement agencies to develop analytical processes useful for identifying patterns and trends relevant to strengthening crime prevention and optimizing criminal investigation, among others: identifying prolific offenders, selecting the best evidence-based strategies and tactics to be implemented in the field, prioritizing micro-territories for proactive patrol deployment, and identifying and analyzing community problems and developing solutions to address them.

Different programs around the world have been applying these techniques and obtaining positive results, as reported by experimental and quasi-experimental impact evaluations. Examples are the COMPStat program in New York, the DDACTS model implemented in the state of Kansas, the Drug Trafficking Analysis Program in New Jersey, and the High Operational Dedication Program (PADO) carried out in Uruguay with the support of the IDB.

In order to contribute to closing the gaps in terms of criminal analysis capabilities in the region, the Inter-American Development Bank launched on June 17 the course "Fundamentals of Criminal Analysis and Proactive Crime Reduction". The main objective of the course is to train public officials from law enforcement agencies and the Latin American and Caribbean justice system in the in-depth understanding of the criminal reality, as well as to promote evidence-based decision-making processes.

Would you like to participate? Then visit the link below, and register to access the course!

Watch the video below to learn more about the course!