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CSI in the tropics. Experimental evidence of improved public service delivery through coordination

Author

Listed:
  • Daniela Collazos

    (Universidad de los Andes, Facultad de Economía)

  • Leopoldo Fergusson

    (Universidad de los Andes, Facultad de Economía)

  • Miguel La Rota

    (Crime and Justice Lab)

  • Daniel Mejía

    (Universidad de los Andes, Facultad de Economía)

  • Daniel Ortega

    (Latin America Development Bank - CAF, and IESA business school)

Abstract

This paper evaluates the impacts of increased coordination, accountability, and leadership among teams of responsible public officials, with evidence from homicide investigations in Colombia. We randomly assigned the investigations of 66% of the 1,683 homicides occurring in Bogota, Colombia, during 2016 to a new investigation procedure emphasizing these features. We find a statistically significant 30% increase in the conviction rate in the treatment group relative to the control group. Indicators of the quality of the investigative process also improve, as well as the rate at which a formal accusation is presented before a court. Complementary findings suggest that the treatment produces well-coordinated teams that can communicate more fluently. Also, a survey of investigative team members reveal that work motivation, the extent to which they receive feedback on their performance, the pertinence and effectiveness of their roles, and the perceived quality and coordination of the team all improve under the new scheme.

Suggested Citation

  • Daniela Collazos & Leopoldo Fergusson & Miguel La Rota & Daniel Mejía & Daniel Ortega, 2021. "CSI in the tropics. Experimental evidence of improved public service delivery through coordination," HiCN Working Papers 342, Households in Conflict Network.
  • Handle: RePEc:hic:wpaper:342
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Crime; Homicides; Team work; Public sector;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C93 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Field Experiments
    • D73 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Bureaucracy; Administrative Processes in Public Organizations; Corruption
    • J45 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Particular Labor Markets - - - Public Sector Labor Markets
    • K14 - Law and Economics - - Basic Areas of Law - - - Criminal Law
    • K42 - Law and Economics - - Legal Procedure, the Legal System, and Illegal Behavior - - - Illegal Behavior and the Enforcement of Law

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