Ranking policing strategies as a function of criminal complaints: application of the PROMETHEE II method in the Brazilian context

Purpose The purpose of this study is modelling of a problem of policing strategy order using a multicriteria method. Design/methodology/approach For the construction of the impact matrix strategies under the reduction of crime rates, considering a portfolio of crimes, a questionnaire applied to specialists was used. In a second moment, defined the criteria and strategies to be ordered, the multicriteria PROMETHEE II method was used, which with the help of the Visual PROMETHEE software, emulated the systematised data in the impact matrix and produced the final ordering of the most efficient strategies, in the fight against crime, in the perception of decision makers. Findings As a result, this research revealed that radio patrol, when used in a non-randomised manner, is the most effective policing strategy in reducing the 18 criminal demands studied in the perception of decision makers after data emulation with the PROMETHEE II method. Research limitations/implications As research implications, it can be inferred that the use of multicriteria methods in the modelling of problems in public security area can contribute to the rationalisation of use of the available means in the fight against crime in large cities. This research showed that it is possible to use customised policing strategies to absolute reality. Practical implications The practical impact of this research lies in optimising the resources available to law enforcement agencies in the fight against crime in general. Social implications It can be inferred that by choosing appropriate strategies to combat local crime, there is a direct implication in optimising the resources that the government makes available to police agencies. This optimisation allows pressure reduction under the public budget for more features. The model for choosing more effective strategies contributes to local crimes decrease, increasing the sense of the population security. Originality/value The originality lies in filling a gap in the literature with the elaboration of the impact matrix of policing strategies in reducing criminal indices and in their associated use in ordering strategies through a multicriteria method. This study contributed to applied police intelligence.