Problem
The problem the study aimed to address:
Crime is heavily concentrated in geographic hotspots, and supplemental patrols can reduce crime. However, less is known about the optimal patrol dosages, the nature of police activities in hotspots, and their effects on public safety perceptions.
General impact on the system and/or public:
The study sought to balance crime deterrence with improving police-community relations, aiming to shift from enforcement-based to community engagement patrols in high-crime areas.
Research Questions:
- Do supplemental patrols influence residents' perceptions of police and safety?
- Do they reduce crime and calls for service?
- Does the frequency of patrols (dosage) matter?
Method and Analysis
Program Evaluated:
The NI-Loc program evaluated randomized hotspot patrols using Community Engagement Patrols (CEPs) rather than enforcement-based actions, focusing on improving relationships and deterring crime.
Data and Sample Size:
- 90 crime hotspots in Portland, each randomly assigned to control (no additional patrols), 2
- CEPs/day, or 4 CEPs/day.
- 16,200 CEP calls planned, 13,146 completed.
- Surveys from 1,423 residents and 211 officers.
- Crime data and calls for service from 2011–2014.
Analysis Used:
- Randomized control trial design.
- One-way ANOVAs for group comparisons.
- Surveys and focus groups for qualitative insights.
- Geographic and time-based analyses of patrol dosages.
Outcome
Key Findings:
- Crime and Calls for Service: The intervention did not significantly reduce crime or calls for service.
- Resident Perceptions: Increased positive police contact but no significant changes in overall perceptions of safety, livability, or trust in police.
- Dosage Effect: Four CEPs/day led to marginally better outcomes than two CEPs/day, but differences were modest.
Implications or Recommendations:
- Dosage Adjustments: Higher patrol intensity may be necessary to achieve measurable reductions in crime or improvements in perceptions.
- Community Relations: Positive interactions during patrols correlated with better attitudes, suggesting that consistent, respectful engagement is crucial.
- Operational Improvements: Using dispatch systems to assign patrols improved compliance, but strategies should address officer fatigue and prioritize sustained, impactful engagement.
- Further Research: Examine long-term impacts of community engagement policing and test higher dosages in resource-constrained settings.
This evaluation underscores the importance of carefully designed hotspot interventions that balance crime prevention with community trust-building.