TEDx Talk: Focus on Places, Not People, to Prevent Crime (VISUAL SOURCE)

"Dr. Joel Caplan is an Associate Professor at Rutgers University School of Criminal Justice and Deputy Director of the Rutgers Center on Public Security. He is giving a TED Talk about new methods and strategies to analyze crime and how to prevent it. Dr. Caplan earned a phD in Social Welfare Policy from the University of Pennsylvania and has professional experience as a police officer, 911 dispatcher, and emergency medical technician, experience which gives him a unique and practical research perspective. He specializes in applying geospatial technology to actionable scholarship and, in partnership with agencies in the U.S. and around the world, is leading cutting-edge research on matters of public safety and national security." (TEDx Talks, 2016)

The use of RTM (Risk terrain modeling) identifies environmental factors that contribute to crime problems. It's a free and accesible data analysis that has demonstrated it's effectiveness in reducing crime in many U.S. cities. RTM focuses on places and empowers police officers to think outside of the traditional crime-fighting methods. This can be a great opportunity to tackle crime in Peru. It helps us to recognize that the places where crimes are usually committed are not just dark and desolated streets. There are environmental and geographical factors that contribute to be located in certain places and with the help of this data we can reduce crime and prevent it in less risky areas. Applying this technology to the security methods that the peruvian police have, we could have a greater control of the areas and districts with a higher percentage of insecurity as well as providing safety for those who live in the area.

Based on what Dr. Caplan said, this tool would be beneficial for our country. Since we would gradually solve our deficits and the crisis we are living could soon end. It is a feasible solution and at the same time, it could educate peruvian citizens about the places with higher risks of crime and what measures can be taken if they live there or how to support the possibles victims.

Reference:

TEDx Talks. (2016, April 25). Focus on Places, Not People, to Prevent Crime | Joel Caplan | TEDxStocktonUniveristy Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5hKWLY1lZrs