The Deterrent Effect of Arrest in Incidents of Domestic Violence: A Bayesian Analysis of Four Field Experiments

Abstract

We examine the deterrent effect of arrest in incidents of spouse abuse. The data are from field experiments conducted in four cities o Milwaukee, Omaha, Dade County (Florida), and Colorado Springs. On the average, arrest is no more effective than other police interventions in reducing new incidents of violence. However, arrest has differential effects on subsequent violence depending on the background of the offender. The implications of the findings for social science theory and public policy are discussed. (Abstract Adapted from Source: American Sociological Review, 1992. Copyright © 1992 by the American Sociological Association) Wisconsin Nebraska Florida Colorado Arrest and Apprehension Arrest Effects Deterrence Police Intervention Law Enforcement Intervention Police Response Domestic Violence Offender Spouse Abuse Offender Partner Violence Violence Against Women Adult Male Adult Offender Adult Violence Offender Arrest Male Offender Male Violence Offender Recidivism 07-02