NCJ Number
29090
Journal
American Journal of Economics and Sociology Volume: 34 Issue: 3 Dated: (JULY 1975) Pages: 323-336
Date Published
1975
Length
14 pages
Annotation
PAPER WHICH BRIEFLY REVIEWS THE FINDINGS OF SEVEN STUDIES WHICH ATTEMPTED TO ESTABLISH THE EMPIRICAL RELATIONSHIP OF A LAW ENFORCEMENT VARIABLE ON THE RATE OF SELECTED CRIMINAL OFFENSES.
Abstract
THE ENFORCEMENT VARIABLES TESTED WERE ARRESTS AND CONVICTIONS PER OFFENSE AND EXPENDITURES OR OFFICERS PER CAPITA. THE STUDIES ARE CLASSIFIED ACCORDING TO THE RESULTS OF THEIR EMPIRICAL TESTS. THOSE WHOSE RESULTS APPEAR TO BE CONSISTENT WITH THE DETERRENCE EFFECT AND THOSE WHOSE RESULTS APPEAR INCONSISTENT WITH DETERRENCE. IT IS CONCLUDED THAT THERE HAS BEEN NO CLEAR, UNEQUIVOCAL EVIDENCE TO SUPPORT THE BELIEF THAT INCREASED PUBLIC EXPENDITURES ON LAW ENFORCEMENT HAVE A DETERRENT EFFECT ON CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES. SEVERAL POSSIBLE EXPLANATIONS FOR THIS LACK OF EMPIRICAL VERIFICATION ARE ANALYZED. THEY INCLUDE THE NEED FOR LAGGED ENFORCEMENT MODELS, A LACK OF REPORTING ACCURACY ON THE INDIVIDUAL CRIMES, THE USE OF TOO NARROW A RANGE OF ENFORCEMENT VARIABLES, AND THE POSSIBILITY THAT MORE EXTENSIVE AND INTENSIVE USE OF ENFORCEMENT MAY HAVE ONLY MARGINAL EFFECTS ON THE MEASURABLE RISKS OF CRIMINAL ACTIVITY. FURTHER RESEARCH INTO THE MEASUREMENT OF AND RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE VARIABLES OF CRIME AND ENGORCEMENT IS SUGGESTED.