Hot Spots Policing

Hot spots policing is a rigorously evaluated crime control strategy that focuses short duration police patrols on very small geographic areas with high crime rates. Some of these areas can be as small as city blocks or street segments. Here’s what you need to know:

First, crime is often highly concentrated. Multiple rigorous studies have shown that a significant portion of crime happens in just a few locations. Focusing patrol resources on these areas can have a big impact without spreading officers too thin.

Second, targeted enforcement works. By concentrating patrols of short duration, problem-solving efforts, and community engagement in these areas, the police can reduce crime without simply displacing it to nearby locations – without decreasing police legitimacy.

And finally, community collaboration matters. Effective hot spots policing balances enforcement with strategies aimed at building trust and confidence in the police. Engaging with the community ensures crime control strategies address local concerns and avoid confusion about police intentions and actions.

By focusing on where crime happens most – the “Where Done It” of crime – hot spots policing allows departments to use their resources strategically and increases the effectiveness of their crime control efforts.

To hear this information in our Policing in a Minute podcast, click here to listen to it on Spotify. Click below to listen to the episode from our website.