The Influence of Public Transportation Nodes on Crime: A Routine Activity and Situational Crime Prevention Perspective

• In Event: Posters II

Abstract

Research examining the relationship between public transportation and crime has generated considerable interest within criminology. In particular, scholars have examined crimes that occur within close proximity to public transportation nodes (e.g. bus stops) and crimes against public transportation nodes (e.g. vandalism). Researchers have also examined the role that the built environment has on crimes that occur within such nodes, including factors that exacerbate and limit criminal activity. Few studies, however, have incorporated the intersection between the built environment and the routine activities of individuals. We attempt to contribute to the literature by conducting a spatial-temporal and situational analysis of crime near bus stops within St. Petersburg, Florida. Specifically, we examine the relationship between the immediate (e.g. lighting) and nearby (e.g. proximity to bar) environmental attributes, as well as ridership data, to criminal activities within varying spatial proximity. Additionally, we examine these relationships from various temporal perspectives as well.

Authors

• Devin Cowan, University of Central Florida

• William Moreto, University of Central Florida