Targeted Policing for Crime Reduction

Abstract

The public expects the police to be effective at controlling crime. A considerable amount of research evidence suggests that crime is highly concentrated at a small number of risky places and risky people and tends to be committed at particular times and days of the week. If police can target their resources on these risky people, places, and times, they will be more effective at reducing crime in their jurisdictions. A series of rigorous program evaluations have suggested that particular targeted policing strategies—problem-oriented policing, hot spots policing, and focused deterrence—generate crime reduction impacts. These strategies use crime analysis to ensure that police resources are appropriately targeted on specific crime problems. The strategies also encourage the police to blend strategic enforcement with alternative crime prevention measures through strategic partnerships with other government agencies, social service organizations, community groups, and residents, and to prevent crimes by addressing underlying conditions that give rise to ongoing crime problems. These kinds of targeted policing programs can improve police legitimacy by safeguarding against overly-aggressive and indiscriminate enforcement, promoting police partnerships with neighborhood residents and others, and reducing crime in communities.