A Hot Spots Problem-Solving Experiment in Hamilton County (OH)

• In Event: Smart Policing Initiative: Place-Based Strategies to Reduce Crime

Abstract

Nearly all hot spot policing evaluations have occurred in large, urban jurisdictions with unique crime problems and social dynamics that often differ from rural locations. This study reports on a randomized matched-pairs experiment (n=26) conducted in partnership with the Hamilton County (OH) Sheriff’s Office that evaluated the effectiveness of a hot spots problem-solving initiative. The results suggest that the treatment hot spots experienced fewer citizen-initiated calls for service during the study period relative to control hot spots that received “business-as-usual policing,” but these differences were not statistically significant. Descriptive analysis and data visualizations show the initiative’s impact varied across treatment hot spots. These findings are discussed in the context of the lessons learned about implementing hot spot policing in rural jurisdictions and offer several avenues for future research.

Authors

• Cory P. Haberman, University of Cincinnati

• Bradley O'Guinn, University of Cincinnati

• Matthew McGrath, University of Cincinnati