P-33 Integrating geospatial technologies into the Public Health Approach to fight crime and violence in the Caribbean

Methods: This study adopted exploratory and descriptive research methods to achieve its objectives. It relied on secondary data due to the limited availability of regional literature on integrating geospatial technologies into the PHA for crime and violence. The research involved three main steps: an investigation of the PHA to crime and violence; the identification of potential geospatial technologies for integration into the PHA; and determining how to best match these technologies with the technical and analytical needs of the PHA in the Caribbean context.

Results: The four-step PHA model is grounded in the principle of prevention rather than cure and underscores the importance of population-focused, cross-sectoral, collaborative, and scientifically based decision-making. There have been multiple applications of geospatial technologies for crime fighting initiatives globally, some of which include data collection or capture tools, analytical tools and visualisation tools. Such geospatial technologies can be integrated into the PHA to guide and strengthen each step of the process. Key recommendations include but are not limited to utilising geospatial tools and technologies to help comprehensively define the problem; developing GIS-based data collection tools to conduct initial baseline surveys and ongoing/follow-up surveys to enable longitudinal studies; and using the technology to engage and communicate with stakeholders through the data submission and feedback loop.

Conclusion: The integration of geospatial technologies into the PHA provides a modern and transformative way to address crime and violence in the Caribbean. The use of modern spatial data collection, analysis, and visualisation tools, enables stakeholders to better understand the crime problem, leading to strategic, targeted interventions. Despite resource challenges in the region, open-source technology offers sustainable, accessible solutions.