A Space-Syntax Analysis of Homicide Crimes in Santa Fe, Argentina: Explanations for Crime Patterns at Micro-Places

• In Event: Advances in Quantitative Methods Panel 2: Spatial and Geographic Modeling in Criminology

Abstract

Criminologists continue to debate the most effective unit of analysis for understanding crime and developing prevention strategies. While micro-level explanations have gained traction, they remain underexplored, particularly outside North America and Europe. This research addresses that gap by testing the law of crime concentration, which posits that crime clusters disproportionately in specific "micro-places." Focusing on Santa Fe, a city with one of the highest violence rates in Argentina, this study examines the spatial concentration of crime and its underlying causes through a multidisciplinary lens. It investigates how street network connectivity and choice, the presence of crime attractors and generators, and guardianship shape crime patterns. The study also accounts for neighborhood-level determinants, offering a more holistic understanding of crime dynamics. The findings of this research hold both theoretical and practical significance. The study deepens our understanding of the law of crime concentration and highlights the role of urban design in shaping crime patterns across space and over time. For Argentine policymakers, these insights provide actionable strategies to mitigate crime by focusing on specific micro-places and designing tailored interventions to foster safer communities.

Author

• Bryce Barthuly, John Jay College of Criminal Justice, City University of New York, USA