Assault and Heat Stress: Dallas As a Case Study (From Geography of Crime, P 38-58, 1989, David J Evans and David T Herbert, eds. -- See NCJ-124763)

• NCJ Number: 124766
• Author(s): K D Harries; S J Stadler
• Date Published: 1989
• Length: 21 pages
• Sale Source: Routledge
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical)
• Language: English
• Country: United Kingdom

Annotation

An analysis of the relationship between warm weather and assaults in Dallas indicated that criminologists should consider the effects of weather on crime, especially in environments that experience extreme weather conditions.

Abstract

The study noted that weather has received little research attention, partly as a result of the lack of theoretical foundations and partly because weather has received little attention in stress research. The 1980-81 data showed both a general thermal stress effect and that neighborhoods with lower socioeconomic status had higher assault rates. However, data limitations prevented detailed analysis of other relationships. Findings indicated the need for further research focusing on several issues. These include the effects in a variety of climates, the time delays involved between weather changes and violence, the existence of cumulative effects, and policy implications. 56 references.