The Long-Term and System-Level Impacts of Institutionalizing Hot Spot Policing in a Small City

Abstract

Abstract Numerous studies have shown that hot spot policing (HSP) is effective in reducing crime in small high-risk locations. However, questions remain about the efficacy of HSP outside large cities, its long-term sustainability and effects, and its ability to produce aggregate reductions in crime across large areas. This study highlights a small city police agency that has sustained a systematic, citywide HSP patrol strategy since 2013. A quasi-experimental assessment using nearly 7 years of follow-up data shows the programme reduced crime in targeted hot spots without displacement. Citywide, citizen calls about crime and disorder fell by 14%, with reductions ranging from 12% for disorder calls to 41% for violence calls. This study shows the value of HSP in smaller jurisdictions and supports the theory that HSP can produce large-scale, long-term reductions in crime and disorder when practiced in a manner that has sufficient targeting, dosage, tracking, management, and commitment from leadership.