BackHome
Refresh: OffView Personal Schedule
Individual Submission Summary
Share...

Direct link:

Alcohol Outlets, Social Disorganization, and Non-Violent Crimes: Direct and Moderating Effects

Thu, Nov 20, 2:00 to 3:20pm, Marriott, Salon 4, Lower B2 Level

Abstract

There is substantial evidence of an ecological association between alcohol outlets and crime. As most studies examined the influence of alcohol outlets on violent crimes, however, less is known about whether alcohol outlet density also influences less serious non-violent crimes that are nevertheless important for quality of life of community members, including nuisance behaviors that influence their feelings of safety and fear of victimization. Additionally, alcohol outlets where alcohol beverages can be purchased or consumed vary (i.e., on premise such as bars and restaurants, and off-premise such as liquor or convenience stores), so different alcohol outlet types may have a different effect on non-violent crimes. Lastly, the effect of different alcohol outlet types on non-violent crimes may be conditioned by the level of social disorganization of communities in which alcohol outlets are located. Using Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Indianapolis, Indiana block groups as units of analysis, crime data from the Milwaukee and Indianapolis Police Departments, and controlling for several structural characteristics associated with criminal behavior, this study examines if (1) the density of total alcohol outlets is related to non-violent crime density, specifically theft from vehicle and destruction/vandalism of property, (2) the association exists for both on- and off-premise alcohol outlet types, and (3) social disorganization moderates the association between different alcohol outlet types and these non-violent crimes. This research not only extends existing research to examine less serious crimes that are important to everyday quality of life in communities, but may also hold policy implications for local jurisdictions.

Authors