Problem-oriented policing in violent crime places: A randomized controlledexperiment

Over the past decade, problem-oriented policing has become a central strate gy for policing. In a number of studies, problem-oriented policing has been found to be effective in reducing crime and disorder. However, very little is known about the value of problem-oriented interventions in controlling violent street crime. The National Academy of Sciences' Panel on the Unders tanding and Control of Violent Behavior suggests that sustained research on problem-oriented policing initiatives that modify places, routine activiti es, and situations that promote violence could contribute much to the under standing and control of violence. This study evaluates the effects of probl em-oriented policing interventions on urban violent crime problems in Jerse y City, New Jersey. Twenty-four high-activity, violent crime places were ma tched into 12 pairs and one member of each pair was allocated to treatment conditions in a randomized block field experiment. The results of the impac t evaluation support the growing body of research that asserts focused poli ce efforts can reduce crime and disorder at problem places without causing crime problems to displace to surrounding areas.