Blockchain Applications for the Police Task Force of IRI: A Conceptual Framework Using Fuzzy Delphi Method

Abstract

Blockchain is one of the trending emerging technologies that enables immutable data storage over distributed ledgers. The fundamental features of blockchain technology, such as record and identity traceability and immutability makes it an attractive alternative for the state-of-the-art information systems. Thus, blockchain has found its way into various fields. In Iran, blockchain technology has been employed in different areas including: commercial mining platforms, secure exchange platforms, and innovative trustless projects. One of the main applications of blockchain is secure management of sensitive information, which makes it a suitable infrastructure for providing advanced control over data in police task forces. The motivation behind this research is to provide a conceptual framework for employing blockchain in law enforcement organizations by analysis and comparison of best practices in other countries and academic case-studies. We provide a systematic overview of case-studies by qualitative content analysis. Moreover, the reliability of our statistics is evaluated by Cohen's kappa coefficient roughly 0.64. Finally, the prioritized applications were evaluated by a 14 member experts panel through fuzzy Delphi method with a Kendall’s Coefficient of Concordance of W=0.711, indicating high rates of agreement among members. To this end, “trustless authentication systems”, “distributed data/resource/information management”, and “inter-department integrated information systems” were selected as most valuable applications of blockchain for police task forces and law enforcement agencies in Iran.

Keywords

• blockchain applications
• police and law enforcement agencies
• comparative study
• content analysis