DATA MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AND CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION IN OGUN STATE.
Abstract
Data management is a critical factor in the security organizations and outfits. Scholars have
shown that data management is crucial for effective criminal investigations, with digitization
increasingly shaping law enforcement operations. The lingering problem and gap in data
management in Nigerian force have continued to generate attention, considering the reliance
on manual means. Extant studies have reviewed data management and criminal investigation
from generalized perspectives; little have been done in Ogun State. This study investigated the
impact of data management on criminal investigation. Mixed design was used. Information
Systems by Keneth Laudon and Routine Activity Theory by Cohen and Felson served as the
framework. Data were collected using structured questionnaire randomly distributed to 150
officers in Ogun State Divisional Police Headquarters Ibara, SWAT unit Abeokuta, and Police
College of Information Technology Abeokuta; 146 valid responses were retrieved. 8 in-depth
interviews were purposively conducted with officers in the study’s location. Paper-based
documentation (88.4%) was used in most police institutions. 69.8% officers described records
as organized, and 56.9% reported challenges in retrieving case files. There was positive
relationship between backup systems (β = 0.248, p = 0.019), standardized recording procedures
(β = 0.327, p = 0.003) and investigation efficiency. Limited funding (mean = 3.90), inadequate
computers (mean = 2.22) and insufficient training (mean = 3.27) were identified as challenges.
Regression analysis showed no significant direct effects on investigation outcomes.
Technology adoption proved influential to artificial intelligence (β = 0.270, p = 0.001) and
crime-tracking systems (β = 0.351, p = 0.000), enhancing outcomes. These findings underscore
the need for strengthening specific data management capacities targeted investment,
standardization, training, an integrated database and monitoring for sustainable improvement.
Keywords: Criminal investigation, Data management, Information-systems, Police impact
Word count: 274
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