Abstract
PurposeThis study returns to one of the first operational aspects of policing ever studied – response time. After years of technological and analytical advancements, we examine the effect of response time on arrest and consider whether the influence of response time varies across precincts and crime types to inform operational strategies. MethodsWe use multilevel modeling to examine the effect of response time on arrest in 1,266,299 incidents nested within 810 police officers. ResultsWe find that response time significantly predicts arrest. However, the effect size is weak relative to other variables. Moreover, the direction of the relationship contradicts expectations. We found that every additional minute it takes for an officer to arrive at a scene corresponds to a 2% increase in the odds of arrest. Further, precinct assignment and call type significantly interact with response time, affecting the probability of arrest, though the strength and directions of these relationships vary. ConclusionThe results can inform operational policies at a time when the police are facing substantial resource challenges. If response times have a more pronounced influence on arrests for robbery, for example, dispatch priorities should emphasize faster responses to those calls to maximize the utility of response time for facilitating arrests.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
