Proactive Policing and Robbery Rates Across U.S. Cities

Bibliographic Data

ID9680480
AuthorsCharis E Kubrin (0000-0002-0600-0875, George Washington University, corresponding author), F Messner (0000-0003-2825-2616, State University of New York), Glenn Deane (Albany State University), Kelly Mcgeever (University at Albany, State University of New York), Thomas D Stucky (0000-0002-8371-5874, Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis)
Year2010
Volume48
Issue1
Pages57-97
Publication date2010-02-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueCriminology (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0011-1384 • E-ISSN: 1745-9125
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1111/j.1745-9125.2010.00180.x
OpenAlexW2062718644
LanguageEN
Citations received52
References cited49

In recent years, criminologists, as well as journalists, have devoted considerable attention to the potential deterrent effect of what is sometimes referred to as “proactive” policing. This policing style entails the vigorous enforcement of laws against relatively minor offenses to prevent more serious crime. The current study examines the effect of proactive policing on robbery rates for a sample of large U.S. cities using an innovative measure developed by Sampson and Cohen (1988). We replicate their cross‐sectional analyses using data from 2000 to 2003, which is a period that proactive policing is likely to have become more common than that of the original study—the early 1980s. We also extend their analyses by estimating a more comprehensive regression model that incorporates additional theoretically relevant predictors. Finally, we advance previous research in this area by using panel data, The cross‐sectional analyses replicate prior findings of a negative relationship between proactive policing and robbery rates. In addition, our dynamic models suggest that proactive policing is endogenous to changes in robbery rates. When this feedback between robbery and proactive policing is eliminated, we find more evidence to support our finding that proactive policing reduces robbery rates

Criminology · Demographic economics · Econometrics · Economics · Endogeneity · Enforcement · Law enforcement · Political science · Sample (material · Crime Patterns and Interventions · Criminal Justice and Corrections Analysis · Law · Policing Practices and Perceptions · Psychology