A PANORAMA OF MULTICRITERIA DECISION MODELS IN PUBLIC SECURITY

This study provides a comprehensive overview of the application of Multicriteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) models in public security through a Systematic Literature Review (SLR). A total of 4,867 documents were initially identified, resulting in 55 relevant articles after rigorous screening. Brazil stands out as the country with the highest number of publications. The findings reveal a growing interest in the field, with increased publications and citations over time. The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) emerged as the most frequently used method (34.55%), often combined with other techniques in hybrid approaches. Ranking was identified as the predominant decision problematic, while criteria related to crimes, performance, and social aspects were the most commonly considered. Despite advances, gaps remain, particularly in the limited use of group decision-making and problem structuring methods. The study highlights opportunities for integrating MCDA with emerging technologies, such as GIS and data mining, and emphasizes the need for more robust and context-aware decision models in public security. Likewise, as suggestions for future studies, a comparative meta-analysis is recommended, as it would provide a more detailed view of the applicability and effectiveness of different models and offer a more solid foundation for evidence-based decisions in public security practice. In addition, the development of practical research involving police operations management or resource allocation in high-risk areas would be beneficial to the field.