Good on Paper The Evidence on Policing and Crime
34 snips
Dec 3, 2024 Jennifer Doliak, an economist and criminal justice policy expert at Arnold Ventures, discusses the intricate relationship between policing and public safety. She delves into the effect of societal reforms on crime rate declines and the paradox of how protests for police accountability can lead to rising crime. Doliak highlights surprising links between air pollution and violent crime, as well as the need for better police training. Additionally, she emphasizes the importance of community engagement to address racial dynamics and promote long-term safety.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Police and Crime
- Studies using natural experiments consistently demonstrate that more police reduce crime, especially violent crime like homicides.
- These experiments often involve comparing departments that barely received funding for more officers with those that didn't.
Impact of Hiring
- Research suggests that for every 10 to 17 police officers hired, one murder per year is prevented.
- While expensive, this impact is considered significant, especially given the high cost of murder to society.
Deterrence vs. Incapacitation
- Police presence, even passive presence, acts as a deterrent to crime, like a "scarecrow effect."
- Studies show crime decreases with increased police presence, even without increased arrests, suggesting deterrence, not incapacitation.