The Impact of Trauma-Informed Policing on Crime Rates

• In Event: Poster Session 2

Abstract

Trauma and stress from life events can be contributors to community violence. However, research suggests that trauma-informed care (TIC) training in professionals decreases violence by increasing trauma understanding, improving service networks, and building community-police trust. This study focuses on the impact of a TIC policing initiative on violent crime rates in Kensington, Philadelphia using an interrupted time series (ITS) design. The Police Trauma Training Pilot Program recruited officers in Kensington Police District 24 for training sessions in Summer 2021 educating officers on trauma-informed policing, adverse childhood experiences, biopsychosocial aspects of trauma, and encouraging community engagement. Seven years of violent crime data from January 1, 2017, to December 31, 2023, was accessed via the Philadelphia Police Department. Results show that the average number of violent crime incidents per month was estimated at 30 incidents and negligibly increased post-intervention (p = .810). All crime incidents, both violent and non-violent, in Kensington significantly decreased by roughly 5 incidents per month from an average of 1,083 (p < .000). While violent crime incidents are relatively unchanged, this analysis suggests that TIC may be more impactful for non-violent crime. Further evaluation of TIC initiatives is needed to understand the potential impact on communities and policies.

Author

• Catherine M. Heitz, Rutgers University - Camden