Evaluating a Strategic Violent Crime Reduction Plan in Dallas, TX

• In Event: Poster Session

Abstract

Beginning in 2020 and roughly corresponding with the start of the Covid 19 pandemic, violent crime began rising precipitously in many cities across the United States. Faced with rising levels of murder and aggravated assault, Dallas, the nation’s ninth largest city, implemented a strategic plan to reduce violent crime starting in May 2021. The plan brought together three primary evidence-based strategies to address street-level violence - hot spots policing, place network investigations, and focused deterrence - and sequenced them purposely for short, mid, and long-term impacts. Using a variety of analytic techniques, we report on the implementation and impact of these strategies to date. We find strong crime reduction effects in targeted hot spots with associated reductions in violence-related arrests and calls for service. Evidence for a more generalized impact on street crime within police divisions and city-wide is presented and assessed.

Authors

• Michael R. Smith, University of Texas at San Antonio

• Rob Tillyer, University of Texas at San Antonio

• Brandon Tregle, University of Texas at San Antonio