Operation SAVVY
Randomised Control Trial Status
Completed
Trial Hypothesis
To test if directed patrols by PCSOs into identified hotspot locations can affect calls for service, crime and ASB.
Also test if the activity can/does affect trust and confidence/engagement of communities in specific areas
Placing a PCSO at the epicentre of a hotspot is likely to
both deter prospective offenders as well as cool down potentially volatile situations.
Research Institution / Organisation
University of Cambridge
In Collaboration With
West Midlands Police
Project Start Date
November 2012
Participants - inclusion criteria
Birmingham South will use street crimes that are more likely to be deterred. Data collection for hotspot construct includes - ASB, BOB, BDH, Criminal Damage, Theft & Vehicle Crime.
Therefore domestic violence or any crime that does not occur in the public domain and cannot be influenced by patrol will be excluded ( eg: inside schools etc)
Target Sample Size
40 hotspots included in the experiment receive the additional ‘dosage’ of PCSO patrol at the dedicated times and locations. 40 hotspots receive ‘normal’ policing.
Study Design
Construct of ‘hotspot’: 2 years worth of demand data in a 150m radius collected.
80 high, medium and low hotspots emerge.
40 in the experiment receive additional PCSO patrol, 40 receive ‘normal’ policing. Hotspot patrolled for 15mins, 3 x between 3pm -10pm Weds – Sat (peak demand)
Interventions
Dedicated patrol in key locations incorporating a number of skills used by PCSOs to deter, prevent and intervene in crime and ASB. Contribution to engagement, trust and confidence from local community.
PCSOs have received training regarding evidence based policing, search tactics, offender management and intelligence gathering to support their work on Op Savvy.
Clear audit trail re PCSO activity and time spent re patrol traced via ARLS and geo-fenced hotspot area.
Tasking and information provided to support patrols – offender profiles, engagement needs, intelligence re vulnerability.
Updates tracked via WMP tasking system, Corvus, to ensure daily activity scrutinised and contributing.
Summary of Findings
Ongoing pilot
Interim findings demonstrating significant reductions in all crime types and ASB in the High and Medium experimental hotspots assessed against the control hotspots.
Some less significant findings in the low demand experimental vs control hotspots.
Date last updated
Thursday 04 March 2021
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