Police levels and crime rates revisited: A county-level analysis from Florida (1980–1998)

Abstract

Research on the police–crime relationship generally shows police levels have little impact on crime rates. Two recent studies [Criminology 34 (1996) 609; American Economics Review 87 (1997) 270.] presented evidence that prior police–crime studies were methodologically flawed and found that increased police levels reduced crime. Using county-level data collected from Florida for the period 1980–1998 and a multiple time series (MTS) design, this study revisited the police–crime relationship. for a sample of large cities, the study found that increased police levels reduced most types of crime at the county level. Similar results have now been reported in three recent studies using similar research designs but different units of analysis and time periods. Due to this, prior research showing no relationship between police levels and crime should be reconsidered.