Problem-oriented policing for reducing crime and disorder: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis

Area of Science:

• Criminology
• Law Enforcement Strategies
• Public Policy

Background:

• Problem-oriented policing (POP) is a proactive law enforcement strategy developed by Herman Goldstein.
• It focuses on addressing chronic issues rather than traditional reactive measures.
• POP commonly employs the SARA (Scanning, Analysis, Response, Assessment) model for problem identification and resolution.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and synthesize evaluations of POP interventions published through December 2018.
• To assess the impact of POP on crime and disorder rates.
• To examine POP's effects on crime displacement, financial costs, and non-crime outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Conducted comprehensive searches of policing databases and journals for POP evaluations (2006-2018).
• Included studies with a POP intervention group and a control group (experimental or quasi-experimental).
• Utilized meta-analysis techniques, calculating effect sizes (Cohen's D, relative incidence risk ratios) for 34 eligible studies.

Main Results:

• Meta-analyses indicated a statistically significant reduction in crime and disorder by 33.8% in POP treatment areas.
• No significant evidence of crime displacement was found; some evidence suggested a diffusion of crime control benefits.
• POP was found to be cost-effective, with limited effects on fear of crime, legitimacy, and collective efficacy.

Conclusions:

• Problem-oriented policing is a highly effective strategy for reducing crime and disorder.
• Despite heterogeneity in effect sizes, the majority of studies demonstrated a positive treatment effect.
• POP offers a robust approach to crime reduction with potential for broader positive impacts.