MA, University of Cincinnati, 2012, Arts and Sciences: Geography

The intrinsic value, or outcome, of aggressive policing units and their overall effect on crime itself is a highly contentious topic, not only within the community, but also within criminology theories and policing policy debates. Whether these zero tolerance patrol units, through their high number of arrests for minor offenses, actually combat crime and bring with them a diffusion of benefits, or if these units merely displace crime into areas outside the intended target area, is an issue in which no scholarly consensus has yet to be reached. Increasing evidence suggests that the diffusion of benefits is not likely to occur (Barr and Pease 1990, Bowers and Johnson 2003, Brantingham and Brantingham 2003, Eck 1993, Hessling 1994); however, a study in 2009 suggests that evidence of a diffusion of benefits has been found in Cincinnati, Ohio (Hall and Liu 2009). This research examines the occurrence of robberies in the City of Cincinnati from 2006-2009 and assesses the impact of an aggressive policing policy known as “Operation Vortex.”

Committee: Lin Liu PhD (Committee Chair); Changjoo Kim PhD (Committee Member); Howard Stafford PhD (Committee Member); Kevin Raleigh PhD (Committee Member) Subjects: Geography

MA, University of Cincinnati, 2007, Arts and Sciences : Geography

Aggressive policing tactics have been frequently examined in crime prevention studies, both in their effectiveness at reducing crime as well as possible problems of displacement of crime. This study examines robberies in the city of Cincinnati following a major increase of arrests for minor offenses in a small neighborhood of the city. A modified version of the Weighted Displacement Quotient test (WDQ), termed the Spatio-Temporal Weighted Displacement Quotient (STWDQ), is used to determine possible displacement of crime or a diffusion of benefits. Directly surrounding the treatment area, a diffusion of benefits is found to be taking place; however, at a greater distance from the treatment area, displacement of crime has occurred. For the overall study area, the displaced crime out-weighs the decreases in robberies within the treatment area and its immediate neighboring areas. Future study is required to clarify the relationship between the observed increases in crime and police actions.

Committee: Dr. Lin Liu (Advisor) Subjects: Geography