FGV Analytics to Use AI to Support Public Security Policy Development in São Paulo
On October 23 at 9 a.m., the São Paulo State Department of Public Security (SSP-SP), the São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP), the University of São Paulo (USP), and Fundação Getulio Vargas (FGV) will launch FGV Analytics: Center for Studies in Analytics and Security Policy. The event will take place in the Main Hall of the São Paulo School of Business Administration (FGV EAESP).
FGV Analytics aims to develop artificial intelligence (AI) tools that can be used to prevent and control crime in the state of São Paulo, as well as to guide public security policies. The launch event will feature the presence of the Secretary of Public Security, Guilherme Derrite, and Marco Antônio Zago, President of FAPESP’s Superior Council, one of the project’s funders.
According to Marco Antônio Zago, this project is part of the Science for Development Program, which focuses on applying science and technology to public policy and addressing development bottlenecks in the state. “This is an excellent example of a partnership between FAPESP, FGV, and the Department of Public Security to apply science to security policy,” Zago emphasized.
João Luiz Becker, FGV EAESP researcher and coordinator of the Center, explained that crime has been extensively studied for centuries by sociologists, criminologists, law enforcement, economists, and political scientists in an effort to understand and ultimately reduce it.
“However, crime prevention and reduction are difficult to achieve because they require a deep understanding of the complex structure and dynamics of criminal behavior. Recent advances in data science and machine learning offer new ways to predict crime incidence and understand the impact of societal and individual characteristics on criminal behavior,” said Becker.
In addition, FGV Analytics—which will include networks of national and international researchers and open innovation processes—will monitor the integration of new tools and technologies to assess their impact on policing and maximize the benefits of using these technologies in officers’ daily routines.
São Paulo’s Secretary of Public Security, Guilherme Derrite, believes that public security and technology must go hand in hand to deliver effective solutions to the population. “This research center is an important step toward integrating São Paulo’s security efforts with academia,” the secretary stated.