Multi-criteria decision-making methods: A promising tool for crime and criminal justice system analysis

Abstract

Criminality is considered a social hazard that threatens sustainable development, and hence an effective linkage between Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Crime and Criminal Justice System (CCJS) is essential. Decision-making problems in real-life situations associated with CCJS are highly complex and unorganized to be addressed by examining a single criterion for evolving an optimum informed decision. The subject matter of analyzing progress in SDGs using an indicator-based approach and conducting a sustainability assessment by deploying Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) methods have evinced the keen interest from decision-makers over a period of time. Despite the fact that concerted efforts were taken in the development and application of MCDM methods in various fields of science, engineering, management, social sciences, only limited attempts have been made to methodically depict the theoretical foundations and progress of MCDM methods and their applications in the field of CCJS analysis. This paper attempt to bridge this gap by performing a systematic critical literature review of MCDM methods, their applicability in the field of CCJS analysis, including its potential coupled with CCJS indicator-based metrics, decision support system, and other scientific approaches as a promising tool for the CCJS analysis for achieving SDGs.