An Evaluation of Data-Driven Approaches to Crime and Traffic Safety in Shawnee, Kansas: 2010-2013

• NCJ Number: 308085
• Author(s): Kevin M. Bryant; Greg Collins; Josie Villa
• Date Published: 2014
• Length: 99 pages
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical)

Annotation

This analysis of the Shawnee Police Department’s implementation of Data-Driven Approaches to Crime and Traffic Safety (DDACTS) found evidence of a cultural shift and officer “buy-in” within the department.

Abstract

This study funded by the Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance, Smart Policing Initiative to study the implementation of Data-Driven Approaches to Crime and Traffic Safety (DDACTS) by the Shawnee Police Department found evidence of a shift in culture and officer “buy-in” within the police department. Participants revealed a close awareness of the purpose of DDACTS, and the strengths and weaknesses of the approach toward training. The majority of the participants in these focus groups believe that DDACTS is an effective and sustainable initiative. The dispatch and investigations focus groups revealed less awareness of the purpose of DDACTS, but similar perceptions about DDACTS training as other areas of the department. Dispatchers and detectives are significantly less positive regarding the effectiveness and sustainability of the DDACTS initiative. Surveys of businesses and residents in the target zone showed that a majority of respondents perceive a greater police presence and more traffic stops. Most respondents believe DDACTS has improved the quality of life in Shawnee and rate the relationship between SPD and residents and businesses as very good to excellent. Respondents support high-visibility, targeted traffic enforcement. A pre- and post-test comparison of means evaluation design with two comparison groups examined the effects of the DDACTS initiative on vehicle burglary, vehicle theft, robbery, and collisions. The findings reveal a greater reduction in crime and collisions in the DDACTS zone compared to the control zone and the rest of Shawnee. Additional analyses revealed no strong evidence of displaced target crimes due to DDACTS. There is statistical evidence of the diffused benefits of the DDACTS initiative on vehicle theft and total target crimes; that is, the crime reducing effect of DDACTS extends beyond the DDACTS zone for these crime categories.