Climate and Crime: Rainy Days are Mondays or Hot Saturday Nights?

• In Event: Physical Environment

Abstract

This work stems from a study examining atmospheric conditions as a correlate of reported crime rates. In this particular effort a wider array of weather and atmospheric data than employed in previous work are examined in an effort to explore possible links between climatic change and variation in crime rates. Such notions as “it’s not the heat but the humidity” and “it’s a full moon…” are also examined as to their apparent veracity. Practical implications for policy and police operations are also noted.

Authors

• Sean Varano, Roger Williams University

• Joseph Schafer, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale

• John P. Jarvis, Federal Bureau of Investigation