Understanding Crime Hot Spots: Correlates of High Crime and Social Disorganization

• In Event: Posters II

Abstract

As law enforcement agencies embrace technology, hot spots policing has enjoyed popularity. The esteem of the strategy is not without warrant, as many studies have shown its effectiveness. The policing strategy involves focusing police resources on a specific area or areas of concentrated crime. However, new policing strategies must still consider basic correlates of crime discussed in social disorganization theory in order to truly understand the root of crime problems. Knowledge of these root causes is critically important if police agencies intend to create lasting impacts while policing hot spots. Ignoring this information may result in recurring crime issues and a policing strategy that further ostracizes vulnerable communities. This study provides an overview of socio-demographic features related to incidents of crime by census tracts in a Southwestern city.

Author

• Rachel Ware Stephensen, University of Nevada, Las Vegas