Abstract
Areas of highly concentrated criminal activity, or hotspots, are a key concern of law enforcement agencies. A large portion of criminal offenses are committed in a relatively small number of these stable zones. We develop a model to study the mechanisms that lead to the formation of these hotspots. In particular we incorporate the contribution of social interactions to the dynamics of the propensity for a criminal agent to act. Hotspots manifest as a form of equilibrium solution of this model. We develop taxonomy of equilibrium solutions based upon the parameters of the model. We explore effectiveness of various strategies for deterring the formation of persistent hotspots. Additionally, we examine the interaction of multiple hotspots.
Faculty Sponsors
Dr. Evan Haskell
Project Type
Event
Location
Alvin Sherman Library
Start Date
4-12-2013 1:00 PM
End Date
4-12-2013 5:30 PM
A Social Interaction Model for the Formation of Local Hotspots of Criminal Activity
Alvin Sherman Library
Areas of highly concentrated criminal activity, or hotspots, are a key concern of law enforcement agencies. A large portion of criminal offenses are committed in a relatively small number of these stable zones. We develop a model to study the mechanisms that lead to the formation of these hotspots. In particular we incorporate the contribution of social interactions to the dynamics of the propensity for a criminal agent to act. Hotspots manifest as a form of equilibrium solution of this model. We develop taxonomy of equilibrium solutions based upon the parameters of the model. We explore effectiveness of various strategies for deterring the formation of persistent hotspots. Additionally, we examine the interaction of multiple hotspots.
