Evidence-Based Policing Matrix
Neighborhood – Braakmann (2022)
Study Reference:
Location in the Matrix; Methodological Rigor; Outcome:
Neighborhoods; General; Reactive; Moderately Rigorous; Mixed effects
What police practice or strategy was examined?
This study examined the effects of a surge in stop and search operations on recorded crime in the city center of Newcastle, UK, following a high-profile murder of local lawyer in August 2019. In the six months after the incident, the use of stop and search approximately doubled, with the majority of stops and searches being conducted for drugs. The analyses included 19 months before and six months after the surge in stop and search operations, focusing on four offense categories: (1) anti-social behavior, criminal damage and public order offense; (2) property crime; (3) drug offense; and (4) weapon offense and violent crime.
How was the intervention evaluated?
This study conducted advanced statistical techniques (i.e., instrumental variable regression, difference-in-differences analysis) to examine whether the surge in stop and search operations in the city center of Newcastle (the treatment area) led to a decrease in recorded crime, compared to other areas in Newcastle City (the control areas) that did not experience a spike in stop and search operations. Specifically, the authors compared one postcode district where stop and search activity was concentrated to six surrounding postcode districts.
What were the key findings?
First, the study found a significant increase in stop and search in the treatment area following the high-profile murder, compared to the period before the event, while other areas in Newcastle experienced no such increase. Regarding the main findings, although the surge in stop and search operations in the treatment area did not significantly reduce drug offenses, weapon offenses, and violent crime, it did lead to a significant decrease in anti-social behavior, criminal damage, and public order offenses. Additionally, it was found that the increase in searches rarely led to further action (e.g., arrests, weapon seizures), suggesting that any crime-reducing effects may have been the result of increased police presence rather than the direct impact of stop and search operations themselves.
What were the implications for law enforcement?
This study suggests that police stop and search operations may not be effective in reducing drug and violent crime. Additionally, the author proposes that the observed decrease in anti-social behavior, criminal damage and arson, and public order offenses may stem from the general deterrent effect of increased police presence rather than police stop and search operations themselves. Consequently, this study implies that similar crime reduction benefits can be achieved through increased police patrols and a heightened police presence in the community rather than a reliance on stop and search strategies.
Where can I find more information about this intervention, similar types of intervention, or related studies?