FROM SWIPE TO CRIME: POLICING CRIMES INVOLVING MODUS OPERANDI THROUGH DATING APPLICATIONS (A Case Study at the Bekasi Metropolitan Police)

Abstract

Digitalization has transformed social interaction methods, including through the use of dating applications. However, the lack of social control and the loose social bonds within this private digital space create opportunities for misconduct, which eventually shifts into actual criminal acts in the physical world. This study aims to analyze the scope of social problems in the use of dating applications, the process of their transition from root problems into criminal acts, and to determine the appropriate policing model to address this phenomenon at the Bekasi Metropolitan Police. The approach used is qualitative with a case study method at the Bekasi Metropolitan Police. Primary data were collected through in-depth interviews with the Criminal Investigation Officers and crime victims/reporters, which were integrated with conceptual studies of Criminogenic Correlative Factors (FKK), Police Hazards (PH), Factual Threats (AF), social control theory, and policing styles. The results of the study show the occurrence of two actual criminal acts (Factual Threats) in the form of theft, embezzlement, and sexual violence with a modus operandi initiated through dating applications. In handling these reports, the Criminal Investigation Officers of the Bekasi Metropolitan Police implemented a swift, empathetic, professional, and victim-needs-oriented response. The shift in social values and the misuse of dating applications are proven to be Criminogenic Correlative Factors that foster criminality. In an operational context, the Bekasi Metropolitan Police successfully applied a professional service style policing model when responding to public reports. Future mitigation of similar crimes requires a comprehensive integration of policing: pre-emptive measures through cross-sectoral collaboration to strengthen digital literacy (eliminating FKK), preventive measures through patrols and the expansion of CCTV networks at vulnerable points (eliminating PH), and professional conventional law enforcement as the ultimate repressive effort (responding to AF).