Portland, Oregon
Using “High Visibility Intermittent Random Policing” (HVIRP) to Prevent Crime and Reduce Calls for Service
Project Overview
The City of Portland SPI was developed in response to both rising crime rates and declining available resources. The SPI sought to utilize Versadex Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) to deliver and manage a place-based-policing program at Neighborhood Involvement Locations (NI-Loc). Through a multi-agency, collaborative effort, the Portland Police Bureau (PPB) worked in coordination with the Mayor’s Office, local academics, and community partners to reduce crime and build community relationships.
Methods and Findings
Research Design
Ninety high crime areas were randomly assigned to receive none, two, or four 15-minute supplemental CEPs a day for a three month period. Offense reports, CAD data, resident surveys, officer focus groups, and officer surveys were used to conduct process and outcome evaluations of the NI-Loc program.
Findings
Results indicate that the NI-Loc intervention did not affect crime, calls for service, or public perceptions of police, in treatment areas compared to controls.
