The Role and Impact of the Use of Information Technologies by Police in Response to Violence against Women

Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2023 Jun 14;20(12):6125. doi: 10.3390/ijerph20126125.

Abstract

The last decade has witnessed an increased awareness of the crucial need to enhance police response and investigation of crimes related to violence against women (VAW). Although some research has been conducted on police decision-making in response to these crimes, there remains a dearth of knowledge concerning the influence of innovative police technologies on the investigative process and resulting case outcomes. This knowledge gap is particularly concerning given (1) the intricate nature and severity of VAW crimes and (2) the substantial advancements in technology that have transformed how the criminal justice system handles violent crime cases. To address this gap, the current study adopted a multi-method, quasi-experimental design to assess the impact of the Miami Police Department's Real-Time Crime Center (MRTCC) technologies on the case processing and case clearance of sexual assault and domestic violence incidents. The results of this study illuminate the distinctive features associated with this form of violent crime and underscore the necessity of continuously advancing the strategies employed to address these incidents.

Keywords: case clearances; domestic violence; investigations; police technology; real-time crime centers; sexual assault; violence against women.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Crime
  • Crime Victims*
  • Domestic Violence*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Information Technology
  • Police
  • Sex Offenses*

Grants and funding

This research was supported by grant number 2019-WY-BX-0005 awarded by the USDOJ, Bureau of Justice Assistance. Points of view or opinions in this document are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.