The effect of police force size on the reporting of nonphysical injury crime
Article
D'Alessio, SJ, Flexon, JL, Stolzenberg, L. (2025). The effect of police force size on the reporting of nonphysical injury crime
. 98(4), 781-795. 10.1177/0032258X251340178
D'Alessio, SJ, Flexon, JL, Stolzenberg, L. (2025). The effect of police force size on the reporting of nonphysical injury crime
. 98(4), 781-795. 10.1177/0032258X251340178
This study examines the effect of police force size on the reporting of violent crimes, using data from 220 U.S. cities across three time periods (2013, 2016, 2020). Employing a cross-lagged panel model, we investigate the relationship between police presence and citizens’ reporting behavior, distinguishing violent crimes by the presence or absence of physical victim injury. Results indicate no significant cross-lagged effects between police force size and nonphysical injury crime reporting, suggesting increased police presence does not amplify reporting of less severe crimes. These findings challenge assumptions about police visibility’s impact on crime reporting and imply that reallocating resources to social services may better reduce crime and improve community safety.
