Systematic Observation with Virtual Imagery: Streets, Buildings and Opportunities

• In Event: Innovative Methods for Exploring the Spatial Distribution of Crime in Small Geographic Units

Abstract

Researchers have studied the concentration of crime and place for over three centuries. The street segment is an ideal unit to assess physical features and social characteristics of an area that contribute to crime concentration. The present study uses a novel instrument and methodology, Google Street View, for capturing the risk and protective factors of the urban landscape that affect robbery concentration. Virtually noted built environmental features, including street design, physical disorder, and crime prevention features were examined in a design that contrasted higher than expected robbery street segments with lower than expected robbery street segments throughout cities in Southern California. The implications of environmental features in criminal opportunities at place are discussed.

Authors

• Christopher J. Bates, University of California, Irvine

• John R. Hipp, University of California, Irvine