Criminal analysis in the Prosecutor's Office: Modernization of criminal prosecution or replacement of police functions?

Abstract

This work, from a criminal policy perspective, explores the design stage of the Criminal Analysis and Investigative Focus System (SACFI) of the Chilean Prosecutor's Office. For this study a qualitative perspective was used, consisting of the analysis of reports and preliminary studies, as well as the history of the law to strengthen the Public Ministry (Nº. 20.861/2015). The foregoing was complemented with interviews with certain key informants (N=7) who in different positions participated in the SACFI model. The research addressed three aspects, the first, how the demand for greater efficiency in criminal prosecution has driven the creation of this new micro-organization. A second, how during the debate on the strengthening law, the design of the SACFI was prioritized over another reform that sought to strengthen the investigation of highly complex crimes. A third, how SACFI implies an update of the controversial relationship between the Public Ministry and the police.