Author: Bryant, Kevin M.
Title: Data Driven Approaches to Crime and Traffic Safety - Shawnee, Kansas 2010-2013
Summary: This report describes the results of a study funded by the Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance, Smart Policing Initiative to study the implementation of Data-Driven Approaches to Crime and Traffic Safety (DDACTS) by the Shawnee Police Department from July 6, 2010 until July 6, 2013. Specifically, the research project examined the effects of DDACTS on vehicle theft, vehicle burglary, robbery, and vehicle collisions in a selected target zone. In addition, the study examined officer attitudes toward the implementation of DDACTS, as well business and resident perceptions.
An analysis of officer focus group interviews shows evidence of a shift in culture and officer "buy-in" within the Shawnee Police Department, especially with the divisions of the department most closely associated with the DDACTS initiative. Specifically, participants in the patrol, traffic, supervisors, and command staff focus groups revealed a close awareness of the purpose of DDACTS, and the strengths and weaknesses of the approach toward training. Moreover, the majority of the participants in these focus groups believe that DDACTS is an effective and sustainable initiative. There are some exceptions. The dispatch and investigations focus groups revealed less awareness of the purpose of DDACTS, but similar perceptions about DDACTS training as other areas of the department. However, dispatchers and detectives are significantly less positive regarding the effectiveness and sustainability of the DDACTS initiative.
Surveys of businesses and residents in the target zone showed that a majority of respondents perceive a greater police presence and more traffic stops. Most respondents believe DDACTS has improved the quality of life in Shawnee. Most respondents rate the relationship between SPD and residents and businesses as very good to excellent. In addition, respondents support high-visibility, targeted traffic enforcement.
A pre and post-test comparison of means evaluation design with two comparison groups examined the effects of the DDACTS initiative on vehicle burglary, vehicle theft, robbery, and collisions. The findings reveal a greater reduction in crime and collisions in the DDACTS zone compared to the control zone and the rest of Shawnee. The following statistics show the 3-year post-test period for the DDACTS zone:
- Vehicle Burglary was reduced by 32.86%
- Vehicle Theft was reduced by 40.32%
- Robbery was reduced by 70.37%
- Collisions with injuries were reduced by 24.39%
- Collisions without injuries were reduced by 24.18%
- Total Target Crime was reduced by 39.52%
- Total Collisions were reduced by 24.20%
Additional analyses were conducted to test for crime displacement and diffusion of benefits. The findings of these additional analyses revealed no strong evidence of displaced target crimes due to DDACTS. There is statistical evidence of the diffused benefits of the DDACTS initiative on vehicle theft and total target crimes; that is, the crime reducing effect of DDACTS extends beyond the DDACTS zone for these crime categories.
Details: Prepared for the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance, 2014. 99p.
Source: Internet Resource: Accessed March 16, 2015 at: http://www.smartpolicinginitiative.com/sites/all/files/Shawnee%20KS%20PD%20SPI%20Final%20Report%20DDACTS.pdf
Year: 2014
Country: United States
URL:
Shelf Number: 134936
Keywords:
Crime AnalysisCrime DisplacementData-Driven ApproachesDiffusion of BenefitsTargeted EnforcementVehicle BurglaryVehicle Crime (U.S.)Vehicle RobberyVehicle Theft |
