Technological Infrastructure and Data Access in Police Districts: An Evaluation of the ICTs Use Against Crime in Lima, Peru

Abstract

Purpose – With the rapid growth of cities, the functions of the police have been affected. The increase in the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), backed by access to a large amount of public and police information, represents an opportunity for improving the fight against crime and to manage time more efficiently.
 Methodology/approach/design – This paper analyzes the role played by ICT as tools for reducing crime in the city of Lima (Peru).
 Findings – The results obtained show that a better level of ICT infrastructure and greater access to information sources through the Internet in police stations discourages the level of crime. 
 Practical implications – In addition, these better levels of ICT presence in police stations generate a higher level of interaction and exchange of data and information between neighboring police stations.