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The Relationship Between Neighborhood Criminal Behavior and Oxford Houses
Jeffrey Deaner1, Leonard A Jason, Darrin M Aase
1All authors are at the Center for Community Research, DePaul University.
Therapeutic Communities
|March 15, 2013
Summary
This study found no significant crime rate differences near Oxford Houses (recovery homes) compared to control houses. Well-managed recovery housing poses minimal risk to surrounding neighborhoods.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Criminology
- Urban Studies
Background:
- Oxford Houses are a network of self-help, residential recovery facilities for individuals with substance use disorders.
- Concerns exist regarding the potential impact of recovery housing on neighborhood crime rates.
- Objective assessment of crime data is needed to address these concerns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and compare crime rates in areas adjacent to Oxford Houses and control locations.
- To determine if proximity to recovery homes is associated with increased criminal activity.
Main Methods:
- A comparative study design was employed, analyzing data from 42 Oxford Houses and 42 matched control houses in a Northwestern US city.
- Crime data, including assault, arson, burglary, larceny, robbery, sexual assault, homicide, and vehicle theft, were collected over one calendar year.
- A city-run Global Information Systems (GIS) website was utilized for crime data acquisition.
Main Results:
- No statistically significant differences were observed in the overall crime rates between the areas surrounding Oxford Houses and the control areas.
- Specific crime categories analyzed did not show a significant increase in proximity to recovery homes.
Conclusions:
- The findings suggest that well-managed and governed Oxford Houses do not pose a significant risk to neighborhood safety in terms of criminal behavior.
- This study supports the integration of recovery housing within communities without adverse effects on local crime.
- Further research can explore long-term impacts and resident-community interactions.
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