Urban Public Sector and Urban Crime - A Simultaneous System Approach

• NCJ Number: 71095
• Author(s): D A Hellman; J L Naroff
• Date Published: Unknown
• Length: 109 pages
• Grant Number(s): 78-NI-AX-0141
• Sponsoring Agency: National Institute of Justice (NIJ); US Dept of Justice NIJ Pub
• Corporate Author: Northeastern University
• Sale Source: Superintendent of Documents, GPO; National Institute of Justice/
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study uses a simultaneous system approach to describe the complex interactions between the urban public sector and urban crime.

Abstract

Developers of the model reviewed 11 prototypes of previous modeling efforts and critiqued them for theoretical foundation, empirical content and methodology, and policy relevance. The models critiqued are Becker, Katzman, Blumstein and Larson, Orsagh, Single Equation Empirical, Phillips and Votey, Ehrlich, Greenwood and Wadycki, Mcpheters and Stronge, Wilson and Boland, and Hellman and Naroff. Theoretical and methodological requisites for a complete model are defined based on the review. A simultaneous equation model is then developed which incorporates the impact of crime on property values and tax revenues, the impact of both revenues and crime on local law enforcement expenditures, and criminal activity. Intergovernmental and interagency impacts within the criminal justice system are recognized. The simultaneous approach stresses the systematic aspects of the interplay of criminal justice agencies in urban settings and highlights the role of agency cooperation. The econometric model described is a system of five equations: a supply of criminal offenses function, a law enforcement production function, a police services demand function, a city revenue function, and a city property value function. The study has three major accomplishments. The summary of modeling efforts permits a historical comparison of model development. The focus on the public policy relevance of the models makes the review valuable to those who are responsible for interpreting and applying the models within the context of providing improved criminal justice systems in urban areas. Finally, a comprehensive model of the interactions between urban crime, the criminal justice system, and urban public revenues is developed and described in detail. Policy multipliers and methodological issues and data requirements for empirical estimation of the model are presented in appendixes. Twenty-six references are provided. (Author abstract modified)