Assessing the Link Between Nature Exposure and Levels of Crime

• In Event: Poster Session 1

Abstract

Research assessing the relationship between exposure to nature (e.g., green spaces, tree canopies, parks, etc.) and crime consistently documents a negative correlation. Thus, neighborhoods exhibiting more elements of nature also have lower levels of violent crime. Findings from studies examining the influence of nature on property and nuisance crimes are more mixed. Prior research suffers from several measurement issues, including relying on measures of “exposure to nature” that are singular or simplistic. We improve this measure by utilizing a sophisticated measure developed by NatureQuant®, a patent-pending system that is the culmination of several sources (including, but not limited to, park data and features, tree canopies, air quality, and noise and light pollutions). Here, we rely on offense data obtained directly from the San Antonio Police Department and the FBI’s definition of violent, physical, and other crimes to examine the relationship between nature exposure on crime across neighborhoods. We also control for socioeconomic status and other known correlates of crime by relying on data from the American Crime Survey. We present the details of our analysis in this poster, along with the implications of our findings and strategies for future research.

Authors

• Ashley Arnio, Texas State University

• Donna Vandiver, Texas State University