A new book published by the FGV Rio de Janeiro Law School, Segurança pública na era do big data: Mapeamento e diagnóstico da implementação de novas tecnologias no combate à criminalidade (“Public security in the age of big data: Mapping and diagnosing the implementation of new technologies in the fight against crime”), doesn’t just provide a better understanding of the main challenges posed by the arrival of new technologies, but will also assist the creation of public policies aimed at security in the state of Rio de Janeiro.

One of the book’s distinctive features is its description of the concept of big data and its relationship with public security. Agility, variety and quantity are just some of the characteristics of this fundamental tool, which can process data efficiently and in real time. The implementation of big data in public security can aid decision making through the analysis, understanding and monitoring of behaviors and trends.

As well as contextualizing Brazil’s public security policies and mapping their use in the country as a whole, the book seeks to associate theory and practice by qualitatively and quantitatively analyzing data collected from the media and comparing it with statements given by military police officers, federal police officers and firefighters. By listening to the personal experiences of professionals who work on the front line of the penal system, the book provides readers with a more complete view of the importance of incorporating these new technologies into the everyday lives of these agents.

Although big data may still seem far from Brazil’s present reality, it is already being used in some states, such as Sao Paulo and Santa Catarina, to optimize and strengthen systems, and in particular to help agents make more appropriate decisions. However, the book does not stop at the benefits, as it dedicates an entire chapter to discussion of challenges posed by new technologies. Finally, it is hoped that this book, which was built on a previous study about the integration of public security, may contribute to the enhancement of public security in the digital age.

For more information about the book, click here.