Problem-oriented policing and crime prevention

During the 2017 holiday shopping season, Vallejo (Calif.) police conducted a crime prevention campaign aimed at reducing auto burglaries in the parking lots of the major shopping centers in their jurisdiction. The campaign, entitled “Hide it, Lock it, Take it” included crime awareness fliers and billboards, undercover surveillance, increased marked patrols, and even decoy cars. Following the campaign, VPD utilized the SARA (Scanning, Analysis, Response, and Assessment) concepts developed by Herman Goldstein in 1979 to scientifically determine their effectiveness in reducing crime. In this podcast segment, Jim and Doug are joined by Vallejo Police Lieutenant Jason Potts in a discussion about problem-oriented policing (POP) and the use of scientific analysis in law enforcement.