18 research outputs found
Gang-related crime in Los Angeles remained stable following COVID-19 social distancing orders
Research Summary
The onset of extreme social distancing measures is expected to have a dramatic impact on crime. Here, we examine the impact of mandated, cityāwide social distancing orders aimed at limiting the spread of COVIDā19 on gangārelated crime in Los Angeles. We hypothesize that the unique subcultural processes surrounding gangs may supersede calls to shelter in place and allow gangārelated crime to persist. If the normal guardianship of people and property is also disrupted by social distancing, then we expect gang violence to increase. Using autoregressive time series models, we show that gangārelated crime remained stable and crime hot spots largely stationary following the onset of shelter in place.
Policy Implications
In responding to disruptions to social and economic life on the scale of the present pandemic, both police and civilian organizations need to anticipate continued demand, all while managing potential reductions to workforce. Police are faced with this challenge across a wide array of crime types. Civilian interventionists tasked with responding to gangārelated crime need to be prepared for continued peacekeeping and violence interruption activities, but also an expansion of responsibilities to deal with āfrontlineā or āstreetālevelā management of public health needs