Do Targeted Arrests Reduce Crime?

• NCJ Number: 195285
• Author(s): Marilyn Chilvers; Don Weatherburn
• Date Published: December 2001
• Length: 16 pages
• Sale Source: Australian Institute of Criminology; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: NSW Crime and Justice Bulletin, No. 63

Annotation

This article discusses the efficacy of the Operational and Crime Review Panels program in reducing overall crime in New South Wales, Australia.

Abstract

The authors studied the implementation of a targeted arrest program by the New South Wales Police Service. The program utilized a series of "Operation and Crime Review Panels" (OCRs) where senior police officers monitored crime patterns and trends and then devised targeted strategies to address those trends. The authors reviewed data for burglary, armed robbery, sexual assault, and motor vehicle theft to determine whether or not crime in New South Wales decreased during the use of the OCRs and also to determine whether or not targeted arrest techniques produced a reduction in crime. In general the evidence showed that crime was reduced and that targeted arrests were effective. However, the authors caution that further research is needed to determine whether the crime reduction experienced by the targeted arrests of repeat offenders is attributable to incapacitation or deterrence. 6 tables, note, appendix, 49 references