Police resource distribution in China: spatial decision making based on PGIS-MCDA method

Abstract

PurposeBased on the theoretical viewpoints of criminal geography and environmental criminology, this research uses spatial multi-criteria decision-making methods. In the process of spatial decision-making and optimization of police resources, researchers fully consider the dynamic application of Geographic Information System (GIS) and the effects of spatial prevention and control.Design/methodology/approachResearchers use an integrated method combining Policing Geographic Information System (PGIS) and multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA). On the one hand, police GIS has an excellent visual data analysis platform and integrated decision support system in data management, spatial analysis, data exploration and regression analysis. On the other hand, through the design of the indicator system, the quantification of indicators, the determination of weights, comprehensive evaluation and sensitivity analysis, MCDA can select the best plan from a large number of alternatives. When joining MCDA, the spatial dimension will bring the research results closer to the real world.FindingsThe study finds that the crime of burglary is affected to a certain extent by the distribution of police forces, the location of police units. Another important finding of this research is the correlation between more precise preventive measures and the crime of burglary.Originality/valueFrom a practical point of view, this research would help advance the role of police units and law enforcement agencies in preventing burglary crimes and provide experience for the allocation of regional police resources.

Modern Technology in Rural Policing: Qualitative Analysis of Police Officers in Rural China☆

“…The "Special Function" of Technology in China's Rural Areas Fei (1946) contends that the traditional closed social structure prevalent in Chinese rural communities necessitated that villagers seek justice solely through the rulings of elders. The implementation of police technology in rural areas was accompanied by advancements in information technology, with a primary focus on enabling efficient communication between rural police and their headquarters and facilitating prompt contact between residents and police stations (Manning 1992;Zhang et al 2022). This change implies that rural police officers possess direct access to villagers and can enforce the law without intermediaries such as the "elders" exercising police authority on their behalf.…”

“…The implementation of police technology in rural areas was accompanied by advancements in information technology, with a primary focus on enabling efficient communication between rural police and their headquarters and facilitating prompt contact between residents and police stations (Manning 1992; Zhang et al. 2022). This change implies that rural police officers possess direct access to villagers and can enforce the law without intermediaries such as the “elders” exercising police authority on their behalf.…”