Breaking the Cycle: How Police, Courts, and Prisons Influence Homicide Rates.

• In Event: The New Reality of American Imprisonment

Abstract

The relationship between government effectiveness and crime reduction has recently become a subject of study. However, the role of the components of the criminal justice system remains a key area of investigation, despite being an important area for policy decisions aimed at reducing violent crime. This paper examines the impact of three critical components of the criminal justice system -police investigation, judicial adjudication, and prison system effectiveness- on homicide rates. Utilising panel regression models, the study identifies which institutional factors exert the most significant influence on homicides. The findings reveal that the effectiveness of the prison system has the strongest and most statistically significant effect on homicide rates. Conversely, police investigation and judicial processes demonstrate negative but statistically insignificant correlations with homicide rates, suggesting that while these systems are essential, their effectiveness may be compromised by systemic issues such as corruption, inefficiencies, and procedural delays. The results underscore the importance of prioritising well-functioning and rehabilitative prison systems as a more direct approach to crime prevention. The paper concludes by advocating for targeted reforms within the prison system while addressing inefficiencies in police and judicial operations. These insights aim to inform policy decisions and contribute to developing effective crime reduction strategies.

Authors

• Gonzalo Croci, Universidad ORT Uruguay; Centro de Estudios Latinoamericanos sobre Inseguridad y Violencia (CELIV)

• Joel Gomez, Universidad ORT Uruguay