COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND PERCEPTION OF SECURITY: A GEOSPATIAL STUDY OF COMMUNITY ALARM INSTALLATION IN RIOBAMBA, ECUADOR

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of community outreach projects on the installation and sustainability of community alarm systems in the canton of Riobamba, Ecuador, as a technological and social strategy to strengthen public safety. A quantitative, descriptive, and field-based methodology was applied, using a non-experimental, cross-sectional design. The sample consisted of 129 participants selected from a population of 192 beneficiary families, calculated with a 95% confidence level. Data were collected through a Likert-type survey validated by experts and processed using ArcGIS Survey123, Dashboard, and SPSS, integrating descriptive, correlational, and geospatial analyses. The findings revealed a high level of citizen satisfaction in all project phases (formulation 42.33%, implementation 43.88%, and outcomes 43.61%), with community training (50.39%) standing out as a key factor. A significant positive correlation (ρ = 0.63; p < 0.01) was found between community participation and perceived safety, along with perceived improvements in crime reduction (82.17%) and interinstitutional collaboration (81.40%). These results confirm that socially appropriate technology, when combined with participatory outreach processes, enhances the sustainability and effectiveness of community-based security initiatives. It is concluded that technological outreach projects are an effective means to strengthen security, social cohesion, and technological appropriation within urban communities, contributing to the development of safer and more resilient environments.