The results of the interrupted time series analyses do not support the supposition that violent crime and drug activity decreased significantly as a result of the crackdown. The effect on violent crime was in the expected direction, a decrease, but the parameter estimate was not significant. With regard to drug activity, the results show that drug activity significantly increased for a 3-month period after the initial arrests of gang members in 1999. The hypothesis, that given the large number of gang members arrested and incarcerated, displacement of crime to certain areas would occur, was not supported. Although the time series analysis did not find a significant reduction in violent crime or drug crime in the target area, examination of crime patterns found that there was some evidence of a reduction in the incidence of these crimes after the gang crackdown within the target area and also in the displacement area. The study of spatial displacement offers an important complement to studies examining the effectiveness of crime prevention activities. As found in this study using the Weighted Displacement Quotient (WDQ) to examine changes of crime with regard to the gang crackdown, diffusion of benefits outward from the target neighborhood is a plausible consequence of targeted gang and drug reduction activities. Examining the effectiveness of crime prevention activities with an eye toward displacement and diffusion will assist efforts to better understand the phenomena and minimize any negative consequences. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact on crime with regards to these crime prevention events, as well as whether spatial displacement of crime occurred as a result of these events within the Miami/Miami-Dade Weed and Seed initiative. This Weed and Seed initiative focused on crime prevention and intervention efforts in the Liberty City neighborhood. Tables, figures, references
Weed and Seed Initiative and Crime Displacement in South Florida: An Examination of Spatial Displacement Associated with Crime Control Initiatives and the Redevelopment of Public Housing
NCJ Number
221745
Date Published
December 2005
Length
39 pages
Annotation
The goal of this study was to assess the displacement effects of crime reduction efforts and quality of life improvements undertaken in Weed and Seed target neighborhoods in Miami, FL.
Abstract