Crime and Disorder in Drug Hot Spots: Implications for Theory and Practice in Policing

Abstract

This article explores the relationship between street-level drug hot spots and crime and disorder problems in Jersey City, New Jersey. The research shows that drug hot spot areas include a disproportionate share of arrests and calls for police service not only for drug-related crime but for crime and disorder more generally. Street sections and intersections within the drug hot spot areas were also more likely to experience crime and disorder problems as compared with non-drug hot spot areas of the city. The findings support the idea of a spatial link between street-level drug hot spot activity, disorder, and serious crime. In concluding, the authors suggest how their findings may be used to enhance police policies with regard to street-level drug markets and crime and disorder activity more generally.