Problem-oriented policing in school settings: a pilot evaluation of an interinstitutional preventive governance model in Bolivia

Abstract

Security in Bolivian educational units exhibits critical prevalence, characterized by fragmented and predominantly reactive institutional responses. This study analyzes the implementation of the Student Prevention Services Coordination, Control, and Monitoring Center (C-SPE) as an innovative model of evidence-based preventive governance. A longitudinal design with repeated measures and a mixed-methods approach was employed during a pilot phase (2025-2026) in Cochabamba. The evaluation integrated administrative records analysis (Bs. 540 953,93 investment), systematization of 8 Student Security Council sessions, and pre-test/post-test instruments (n=12). Quantitative analysis employed paired-samples t-tests (parametric variables) and Wilcoxon tests (security perception), complemented by qualitative content analysis. The C-SPE enabled the formation of three Student Security Citizens Councils with 95% active participation. Statistically significant improvements were observed in general user satisfaction (t(11) = -5,698, p < 0,001, d = 1,644) and marginally significant improvement in articulated action implementation (t(11) = -4,051, p = 0,050, d = 1,169). Security perception showed a robust increase (Mdn: 2,0 → 5,0; r = 0,62, p = 0,0009). Interinstitutional governance indicators showed significant reductions across all dimensions (Fisher p < 0,05). The C-SPE constitutes a preventive governance architecture that successfully operationalizes collegiate and transdisciplinary decision-making in institutionally fragmented contexts. Although the model demonstrates high feasibility and social acceptability, long-term sustainability requires additional longitudinal validation and cost-effectiveness analysis for national scalability.