In the latter half of 2020, Los Angeles was dubbed by the media and academicians as the latest epicenter of COVID-19 in the United States. Using time-series analysis on Los Angeles Police Department crime data from 2017 through 2020, this paper tests the economic theory of crime, routine activities theory, social isolation theory, and structural vulnerability theory to determine whether they accurately predicted specific crime rate movements in the wake of COVID-19 in the city of Los Angeles. Economic theory of crime was supported by the data, and social isolation theory and structural vulnerability theory were partially supported. Routine activities theory was not supported. Implications for policymakers and academics are also discussed.
This study used a qualitative grounded theory approach to explore disaster experiences of law enforcement officers (LEO)s ( n = 56), in two high disaster areas of the United States. Respondents indicated that disasters cause increased stress on LEOs from fatigue, extended shifts, changing duties, increased workload, work–family role conflict, and new operational expectations and challenges within the agency during disasters. Family safety was also identified as a critical stressor and pre-occupation for LEOs during disaster policing, as well as an enhanced reliance on critical thinking as an adaptive response to untrained for challenges that are unique to disasters.
This study uses time series analysis in an effort to inform disaster response efforts by identifying changes to Houston crime during Hurricane Ike. The results indicate that Burglaries increased significantly by 305% during Ike. Aggravated Assaults also increased significantly, but Theft and Auto Theft decreased by 37% and 16% respectively. Several other crimes revealed no significant differences during Ike. These findings, when combined with other research, show that Burglaries consistently increase during natural disasters, and Emergency Support Function 13 (ESF-13) responders should plan for that reality. This study also provides some other considerations for ESF-13 management related to disaster preparedness training and exercises. Additionally, the study provides evidence of the need for ESF-13 responders and reinforces their importance as a key form of capable guardianship under Routine Activities Theory.
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