Poster #10 - A Multi-Armed Survey Experiment Investigating Public Support of Hot Spots Policing and Gunshot Detection Technology

• In Event: ASC Poster Session I

Abstract

This presentation will share findings from two survey experiments that analyze public perceptions of gunshot detection technology (GDT) and hot spot (HS) policing strategies. American police agencies increasingly adopt these strategies, yet there is limited scholarly attention on public support for these approaches, particularly GDT. Bridging this gap in research is critical, as understanding public perceptions can inform the effectiveness and public acceptance of these technologies and strategies in policing. Findings from a pre-registered multi-armed survey experiment (N=2,412) revealed that respondents exposed to the HS effectiveness treatment, which highlighted high-visibility non-contact patrols, expressed significantly stronger support for its effectiveness in crime prevention while also being less likely to perceive it as targeting specific communities. For the GDT experiment, those assigned to the effectiveness treatment were notably more likely to believe that GDT made their community safer. In contrast, participants exposed to the stigma treatment in both experiments showed less responsiveness to information addressing community concerns regarding these strategies. Heterogeneity tests across non-White and recent crime victims revealed nuanced differences in support for these strategies. These findings offer important implications for police agencies considering the implementation of these strategies, especially in terms of balancing crime prevention and positive community relationships.

Authors

• Gabrielle Mascari, University of South Carolina

• Kaley Smith, University of South Carolina

• Brandon Tregle, University of Texas at San Antonio

• Hunter Boehme, University of South Carolina