SPI Hot Spot Policing Project

The Smart Policing Initiative seeks to build upon the concepts of offender-based and place-based policing and broaden the knowledge of effective policing strategies. The most convincing research demonstrates that place-based or hotspot policing reduces violent crime and neighborhood disorder. This initiative addresses the need for effective policing that requires a tightly focused, collaborative approach that is measurable, based on sound, detailed analysis and includes policies and procedures for accountability. This grant program seeks to build upon data-driven, evidence-based policing by encouraging state and local law enforcement agencies to develop effective, economical, and innovative responses to precipitous or extraordinary increases in crime, or in a type or types of crime within their jurisdictions.

The City of Portland, Portland Police Department (PPD), will utilize Smart Policing Initiative grant funds, in partnership with a research partner, to evaluate the impact of patrol frequency and patrol timing on crime and service calls to support improving the efficiency of patrol methods. Police agencies nationally have begun experimenting with a number of potential strategies to effectively reduce crime and calls for service. One strategy which has shown promise, hot spot policing, involves "High Visibility Intermittent Random Policing" (HVIRP) of small geographical areas experiencing high volumes of crime and disorder. The PPD's evaluation will address the following four important questions regarding the operationalization of hot spot policing: 1) does the frequency of HVIRPs per day influence outcomes (crimes and calls for service); 2) are deterrent benefits achieved if HVIRPs are scheduled for off-peak times; 3) can scheduling of HVIRPs be effectively managed using PPB's regular dispatch system; and 4) is the impact of HVIRPs mediated by the type of activities officers engage in. CA/NCF