Can Enhanced Street Lighting Improve Public Safety at Scale?

• In Event: Improving Public Safety Through Lighting, Street Cleaning, and Murals

Abstract

This study evaluates Philadelphia’s citywide LED streetlight upgrade, initiated August 2023, impacting 34,374 lights across 13,275 street segments. We examined effects on total, violent, property, and nuisance crime. Results reveal a 15% reduction in outdoor nighttime street crime and a 21% decrease in outdoor nighttime gun violence. Upgrades may account for approximately one sixth of the 31% citywide gun violence decline. Qualitative data indicates improved resident perceptions of safety and neighborhood vitality. This demonstrates that large-scale LED lighting upgrades can significantly reduce urban crime. We suggest cities consider similar lighting interventions for crime prevention. Further research is needed to explore impacts on other crime types and long-term sustainability.

Authors

• John MacDonald, University of Pennsylvania

• Aaron Chalfin, University of Pennsylvania

• Maya Moritz, University of Pennsylvania

• Brian Wade, University of Pennsylvania

• Alyssa Mendlein, University of Pennsylvania

• Anthony Braga, University of Pennsylvania

• Eugenia South, University of Pennsylvania