Systematic Social and Physical Observations at Crime Hot Spots in Baltimore, MD: Methodology and Baseline Findings

• In Event: Crime and Place: The Baltimore Longitudinal Hot Spots Study: Initial Findings

Abstract

Research has found that distinct trends in anti-social behavior occur at small geographic areas referred to as crime hot spots. These micro units of place, defined as street segments, may vary greatly from the larger geographic neighborhoods in which they are located. Further, scholars have found that the physical and ecological characteristics of small behavioral settings are associated with patterns of public disorder and violence. Although researchers have used police and survey data to study crime and disorder outcomes in crime hot spots, few studies have relied on field researchers to conduct systematic observations at a large sample of hot spot street segments. This could be because of the cost and safety risks associated with data collection. This paper describes the methodology and baseline findings for over 1,000 20-minute systematic social observations and 450 physical observations conducted at violent and drug crime hot spots in Baltimore, MD. Our paper examines urban blight, social disorder, anti-social behavior, recreation and guardianship at 300 hot spot street segments and 150 comparison areas that did not qualify as crime hot spots (which we called “cool spots”). Practical and theoretical implications of the field methodology are discussed.

Authors

• Justin Ready, Arizona State University

• David Weisburd, George Mason University / Hebrew University

• Brian Lawton, George Mason University

• Amelia Haviland, Carnegie Mellon University

• Breanne Cave, George Mason University

• Matthew Nelson, George Mason University