Lowell, Massachusetts
Reducing Drug-related Crime in Target Areas
Site LE Agency
Lowell Police Department
Site Researcher
Brenda Bond, Ph.D., Suffolk University
Site Focus
Drug-related Crime
SPI Strategy
Problem-oriented policing, Place-based policing, Offender-based policing
Site Cohort
2010
Site Profile
Mid-sized urban area of 13.58 sq. miles with a population of 103,065
Project Overview
The goal of the Lowell SPI was to address drug-related property crime through problem-oriented policing and the SARA model: Scanning, Analysis, Response, and Assessment. In order to avoid some of the traditional problems with SARA implementation, the Lowell SPI team employed a more-sophisticated problem-solving process that assessed the congruence or “fit” among the targeted crime problems and the different elements of the SPI strategy.
Methods and Findings
- Of 38 offenders targeted in 2012, 61% recidivated, with most new crimes involving some form of property crime.
- Lowell SPI was able to achieve reductions in property crime in almost all SPI hot spots.
- SPI techniques sparked positive organizational change, especially improving relationships between patrol officers and the Crime Analysis and Intelligence Unit.
