Comparing Directed Patrol and Offender and Citizen Contacts in Micro-Time Hot Spots: Blind RCT Results

• In Event: Assessing Hot Spots Policing Strategies

Abstract

This paper will present results from a blind experiment conducted in the Port St. Lucie, FL Police Department that tested police response in residential burglary and theft from vehicle micro-time hot spots (i.e., short-term patterns of crime). Over the two year treatment period, using a partially block random assignment, the experiment was blinded by designating control micro-time hot spots and removing them from consideration for response without the knowledge of those responsible for responding. Overall, the treatment was found to be effective, and this presentation will delve further into the data to compare the impact of directed patrol, known offender checks, and citizen crime prevention contact using negative binomial regression. In addition, the results showing the optimal amount of response to achieve crime reduction will also be presented.

Authors

• Rachel Boba Santos, Radford University

• Roberto Santos, Radford University