Development of a Secure Web-Based Crime Information Management System for Nigerian Campuses

Abstract

Effective security systems are a crucial concern for all stakeholders of global tertiary institutions, as they guarantee human safety and infrastructure protection. The continued use of manual crime reporting systems in many Nigerian institutions results in significant inefficiencies, such as delayed replies, weak record-keeping, and poor data analytics. While digital solutions exist, they often lack the integrated, campus-specific focus that is necessary. This study designs, develops, and evaluates a secure, web-based Crime Information Management System (CIMS) that integrates real-time reporting with multi-factor authentication, role-based access, and data analytics to address these challenges. The system was developed using Next.js, Node.js, and MongoDB. Multi-factor authentication and other advanced features ensure data security, and data analytics tools enable security personnel to identify patterns and efficiently allocate resources. A comprehensive evaluation was conducted over a four-week pilot with 10 users confirming the system's robustness. Performance benchmarking with Google Lighthouse yielded perfect scores of 100% in Performance and Best Practices, and a 96% score in Accessibility. Importantly, a security assessment using OWASP ZAP revealed no high-risk vulnerabilities, confirming the effectiveness of the basic security architecture. Medium and low-risk vulnerabilities identified were remediated. Usability testing with students and security personnel yielded a mean System Usability Scale (SUS) score of 77.5, signifying "good" usability. The findings confirm that the CIMS significantly enhances the efficiency, security, and usability of campus crime management compared to manual processes. While the results are promising, the study's limitations, such as its design as a single-campus pilot test with a limited duration, suggest that further multi-institutional and long-term studies are recommended before any broader national rollout.