Deterrence or Backlash? The Influence of Law Enforcement Operations on the Stop Cop City Movement

• In Event: Activism, Social Movements, and Online Dimensions of Extremism

Abstract

Objective: In the current study, we examine the impact of law enforcement strategies on the nature of criminal activity linked to the Stop Cop City Movement. The Stop Cop City Movement is a coalition of activists seeking to halt the construction of Atlanta Public Safety Training Center via lawful and illicit means. We are particularly interested in whether the death of Manuel Terán – an environmental activist who was shot and killed during a police raid on January 18th, 2023 – produced a deterrence effect or a backlash effect. Methods: Data were collected from self-reported crimes (n = 87) associated with the Stop Cop City Movement between June 2020 and February 2024. Results: Our findings suggest that prior to the death of Terán, criminal activity linked to the movement was localized and focused on primary targets (e.g., construction equipment). After Terán’s death, however, criminal activity was geographically displaced, increased in severity, and emphasized secondary and tertiary targets. Conclusions: The results of this study are consistent with recent works on extremism, rational choice, and restrictive deterrence.

Author

• Michael K. Logan, Kennesaw State University