NCJ Number
240952
Journal
Police Quarterly Volume: 15 Issue: 3 Dated: September 2012 Pages: 308-327
Date Published
September 2012
Length
20 pages
Annotation
This study examined the relationship between police response time to in-progress burglary calls and neighborhood characteristics.
Abstract
The need for rapid response has been a perennial issue in policing. Although several studies have examined the effect of response time on apprehension probability, little attention has been given to the relationship between police response time and community characteristics. Using 2007 call for service data from the Houston Police Department and 2000 census statistics, the current study examines the relationship between police response time to in-progress burglary calls and neighborhood characteristics. In addition, the effects of incident characteristics on the likelihood of arrest are examined. The results suggest that disadvantaged neighborhoods enjoy a shorter police response whereas rapid response increases the probability of in-progress burglary apprehension. Abstract published by arrangement with Sage Journals.