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A randomized field trial in Oakland, California
L G Mazerolle1, J F Price, J Roehl
1Division of Criminal Justice, University of Cincinnati, USA.
Evaluation Review
|June 10, 2000
Summary
The Beat Health program reduced drug problems in residential areas. However, patrol responses increased drug issues, and displacement occurred, particularly at commercial sites.
Area of Science:
- Criminology
- Public Health
- Urban Studies
Background:
- Civil remedy programs aim to address community disorder.
- Understanding the impact of targeted interventions versus traditional policing is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of the Beat Health civil remedy program.
- To compare Beat Health interventions with traditional patrol responses on drug and disorder problems.
Main Methods:
- Experimental field trial with 100 study sites.
- Analysis of calls for service data over a 12-month follow-up period.
- Examination of spatial influences and displacement effects.
Main Results:
- Beat Health significantly reduced drug problem calls, especially at residential sites.
- Traditional patrol response led to significant increases in drug problems at commercial sites.
- Evidence of drug problem displacement observed around commercial sites, both experimental and control.
Conclusions:
- Civil remedy programs like Beat Health show promise in reducing drug-related issues in specific environments.
- Traditional policing methods may inadvertently exacerbate drug problems in commercial areas.
- Further research is needed to understand and mitigate displacement effects of crime reduction strategies.