The Irving Code Enforcement Hot Spots Study

• In Event: Policing Places: Innovations and Impacts

Abstract

Evidence suggests that focusing police resources at crime hot spots is effective at reducing crime and disorder. Research has also observed reductions in crime when police address social and physical disorder. Thus, most studies evaluate interventions led by police officers. This study assesses whether code enforcement officers might also be able to achieve similar reductions in crime when focusing resources on disorder in crime hot spots. Using an experimental design, this study seeks to determine whether elevated code enforcement activities at crime hot spots in Irving, Texas is effective at reducing violent and property crime. Preliminary results are presented and policy implications are discussed.

Authors

• James D. Kelsay, University of Texas at Arlington

• Shane Diller, City of Irving, Code Enforcement Department

• Jaya B. Davis, University of Texas at Arlington