Towards Data Scientific Investigations: A Comprehensive Data Science Framework and Case Study for Investigating Organized Crime and Serving the Public Interest

Prepared by Erik van de Sandt, Arthur van Bunningen, Jarmo van Lenthe, John Fokker

Abstract: Big Data problems thwart the effectiveness of today’s organized crime investigations. A frequently proposed solution is the introduction of ‘smart’ data science technologies to process raw data into factual evidence. This transition to – what we call – data scientific investigations is nothing less than a paradigm shift for law enforcement agencies, and cannot be done alone. Yet a common language for data scientific investigations is so far missing. This white paper therefore presents guiding principles and best practices for data scientific investigations of organized crime, developed and put into practice by operational experts over several years, while connecting to existing law enforcement and industry standards. The associated framework is called CSAE (pronounced as ‘see-say’): a comprehensive framework that consists of a business process, methodology, policy agenda and public interest philosophy for data scientific operations.

Paper available for download here.