Seeing Is Solving: Video Evidence and Gunshot Clearance Rates in New York City

• In Event: Technology and Crime Control

Abstract

Over the last decade, video evidence has emerged as a key component of many criminal investigations. This study evaluates the effect of video evidence usage on clearance rates in shooting investigations in New York City. We find that this growth in video usage was driven primarily by changes in investigative practices enabled by integrated information systems, rather than by increased CCTV availability across the city. This study demonstrates the increasing importance of video evidence in criminal investigations.

Authors

• Vic Shih, University of Pennsylvania

• Charles Loeffler, University of Pennsylvania