Impact of Pattern-or-Practice Investigations on Crime Rates in Large Cities

In recent decades, the conduct of city police departments has come under increased scrutiny. In response to high profile police actions, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) initiated investigations into the "pattern or practice" of state, local and other law enforcement authorities. In theory, federal oversight can lead to less police abuse, enhanced citizen satisfaction with police, and less crime. Alternatively, federal intervention can correspond to "de-policing" and higher levels of crime. This study explores why some cites are more likely to become a focus of federal investigations and the apparent impact of those investigations on crime. The data suggests that federal investigations are more likely to be launched in higher crime jurisdictions and that investigations do not lead to reduction in the rate of violent or property crime. Statistically significant increases in property crimes after a pattern-or-practice investigation were found compared to similar sized cities.