Police resource distribution in China: spatial decision making based on PGIS-MCDA method
Policing: An International Journal
ISSN: 1363-951X
Article publication date: 15 July 2022
Issue publication date: 15 November 2022
Abstract
Purpose
Based 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/approach
Researchers 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.
Findings
The 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/value
From 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.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
Funding: This study is supported by National Key Research and Development Program of China (2018YFC0809802); Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China (20YJAZH009); Fundamental Research Funds of People's Public Security University of China (2021JKF419).
Citation
Zhang, N., Haoran, X., Jiang, F., Wang, D., Chen, P. and Zhang, Q. (2022), "Police resource distribution in China: spatial decision making based on PGIS-MCDA method", Policing: An International Journal, Vol. 45 No. 6, pp. 956-971. https://doi.org/10.1108/PIJPSM-03-2022-0042
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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