A systematic review with a meta-analysis by the Campbell Collaboration identified 65 (experimental and quasi-experimental) studies that evaluated the impact of Hot Spots Policing interventions in various countries. The meta-analysis showed that, in general, the strategy contributed to crime prevention. The average effect of the intervention was small, but statistically significant, on overall crime. The intervention produced statistically significant reductions in drug-related crime, disorder, property crime, and violent crime (with a decreasing degree of impact among the crimes mentioned – higher for the former, lower for the latter) [3][4]. Based on those findings, the Crime Solutions and Crime Reduction Toolkit platforms classify this type of intervention as effective to reduce crime and violence.
Hot Spots Policing is a strategy that, according to a second review of 50 studies, has generated a 19% reduction in violent crime, a 16% reduction in property crime, and a 20% reduction in disorderly and drug-related crime without displacing crime to other areas [5].
Furthermore, a meta-analytical review has shown that, in general, there is no significant displacement of crime to other areas. On the contrary, a diffusion of the benefits of crime control to other areas is more likely [6].