Política pública baseada em evidências: uma análise de desempenho das áreas integradas de segurança pública

Abstract

This research falls within the field of evidence-based public policy, which focuses on identifying what works and what does not in the State’s efforts to address complex social problems. In order to contribute to this debate, the study aims to assess the influence of a public security policy on the performance of public safety in a Brazilian state. To that end, a sequential mixed-methods approach is applied, consisting of two phases: the first phase is qualitative in nature and focuses on defining the operational environment in which the studied policy is implemented, as well as identifying the factors that influence police performance; the second phase employs the quantitative methodology of Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) and the Malmquist Index to measure changes in police productivity following the implementation of a security program. The results indicate an improvement in the technology employed in policing, evidenced by a positive shift in the efficiency frontier. However, the efficiency change in some Integrated Public Security Areas (AISPs) did not keep pace with the technological advancements, resulting in these areas moving away from the new efficiency frontier. Taking into account the technological change promoted by the Program and the efficiency change of the AISPs, an improvement in Total Factor Productivity was observed. This indicates that the management measures implemented positively influence actions aimed at tackling homicides, whether through structuring activities focused on specific incidents—such as the seizure of firearms—or through investment in technology and innovation. Based on the research findings, it is suggested that the managers of the Programa Estado Presente Em Defesa da Vida – Eixo Proteção Policial focus efforts on improving the technical efficiency of operational units by increasing the participation of street-level bureaucrats in monitoring meetings and the analysis of crime indicators. Furthermore, the continuation of investments in technological innovations is recommended, with the aim of maximizing the total productivity of the Program.