“Problem‐oriented policing for reducing crime and disorder: An updated systematic review and meta‐analysis” by Hinkle, Weisburd, Telep, & Peterson

Abstract

  • Problem-oriented policing (POP) aims to proactively address chronic problems, focusing on reducing crime and disorder.

Keywords

  • POP, crime reduction, SARA model, systematic review, meta-analysis

Background

  • Developed by Herman Goldstein, POP encourages police to engage more proactively rather than reactively.

  • The SARA model involves four steps: Scanning, Analysis, Response, and Assessment.

  • POP interventions target various crime problems but face inconsistent implementation.

Objectives

  • Update and synthesize evaluations of POP interventions up to December 2018.

  • Assess POP's impact on crime, disorder, crime displacement, police costs, and non-crime outcomes.

Search Methods

  • Utilized the Global Policing Database to identify relevant studies from 2006-2018.

  • Included both published and unpublished evaluations based on specific criteria.

Selection Criteria

  • Studies must have a POP intervention in a target group and a control group.

  • POP must generally align with the SARA model.

Data Collection and Analysis

  • The review included 39 new studies and evaluated 34 studies for meta-analysis.

  • Effect sizes calculated using Cohen's D and relative incidence risk ratios.

  • Comparisons included both randomized and quasi-experimental studies.

Results

  • Statistically significant overall reduction in crime/disorder of 33.8% in POP areas.

  • No significant evidence for crime displacement; noted potential diffusion of crime control benefits.

  • POP interventions show limited effects on fear of crime and police legitimacy.

Authors’ Conclusions

  • Evidence supports POP as an effective strategy for reducing crime and disorder.

  • High variability exists in effect sizes based on study design and types of crime.

  • Future studies should better capture the effectiveness of POP interventions through robust designs and detailed analyses.

Plain Language Summary

1. POPO (Problem-oriented policing) is associated with reductions in crime and disorder

  • POP effectively decreases crime levels, particularly in place-based programs.

1.2 What is this review about?

  • This review evaluates effectiveness by assessing studies that employ the SARA model.

  • It focuses on POP's impact on crime, disorder, fear of crime, and community perceptions.

Detailed Background

2.1 The issue

  • Goldstein’s critique of police prioritization of operational means rather than crime-solving ends led to the POP approach.

  • Examples cited include ineffective preventive patrols and rapid responses to calls.

  • Goldstein proposed that police should target underlying problems using proactive strategies.

2.2 POP in practice

  • Implementation of the SARA model requires successful identification and analysis of community problems.

  • Various problems have been addressed using the POP approach, demonstrating its flexibility.

SARA Model

  1. Scanning: Identify and prioritize problems.

  2. Analysis: In-depth analysis of identified problems using diverse data sources.

  3. Response: Development and implementation of tailored responses.

  4. Assessment: Evaluating effectiveness of the response.

2.3 Importance of the Review

  • The need for systematic review stems from previous evidence supporting the effectiveness of POP but lacking comprehensive data.

  • Past systematic reviews revealed modest effect sizes that warranted further investigation.

Methods

4.1 Eligibility of Studies

Types of Studies

  • Randomized experimental and various quasi-experimental designs deemed acceptable.

Selection of Areas/Groups

  • POP interventions span a range of target areas and groups, facilitating inclusivity in study designs.

Types of Interventions

  • Varied array of interventions reflecting the flexibility of POP interventions are covered in this review.

Types of Outcome Measures

  • Focus is placed on measures of crime and disorder, with additional narrative summaries on police legitimacy and community perceptions.

Results of Study Selection

  • The review yielded 39 studies meeting inclusion criteria with usage primarily focused on place-based interventions.

5.1.1 Study Characteristics

  • Details on studies, including publication type, country, evaluation type, and the geographic focus.

5.2 Review of Study Implementation

  • Reports on the challenges faced during the performance of POP interventions across studies.

5.4 Risks of Bias in Included Studies

  • Examination of the inherent risks of bias due to nonequivalence and quality concerns across the studies.

  • Only a few studies reported data quality issues, with most employing rigorous methodologies.

Discussion

6.1 Results Summary

  • POP effectively reduces crime with a significant reduction calculated around 33.8%.

  • Variability in effectiveness based on design and population served.

6.2 Research Implications

  • Future research must focus on rigorous evaluations with clear definitions of intervention characteristics and expected outcomes.

6.3 Quality of Evidence

  • While the overall quality has improved since the last review, further rigorous evaluations are required for more conclusive evidence.

7 Author Outlook

  • Enhancements in police strategies may materialize through more usage of POP.

  • Plans for incorporating community resources and ongoing assessments as part of comprehensive policing strategies are recommended.

References

  • A thorough listing of the studies and materials referenced throughout the review are provided, emphasizing the breadth of research in the field.