The impact of information about crime and policing on public perceptions: the results of a randomised controlled trial

Randomised Control Trial Status

Completed

Trial Hypothesis

​The study was designed to test the short term impact on web-based crime maps and policing information on public perceptions

Geographical area

National (England and Wales)

Research Institution / Organisation

College of Policing

In Collaboration With

The Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO)

Contact Name

Paul Quinton

Project Start Date

March 2009

Participants - inclusion criteria

Adults aged 16 and over in England and Wales

Target Sample Size

7434

Study Design

​Basic randomised design comparing treatment to control

Interventions

​A nationally representative sample of research participants were selected and assigned at random to one of the following groups: 1. The crime maps group – Participants received maps showing the recorded crime rate and the rate of recorded ASB incidents for their local area. 2. The policing information group – Participants received information about the neighbourhood policing team for their local area. 3. The combined intervention group – Participants received both the crime maps and policing information interventions. 4. The control group – Participants received no intervention.

Summary of Findings

​Overall, the public reaction to the crime and policing information was very positive. Information provision was also found to have a positive impact on some public perception measures. The study suggests crime and policing information is a promising intervention in terms of improving public attitudes and, potentially enhancing police accountability.

The impact of information about crime and policing on public perceptions: the results of a randomised controlled trial (RCT)

Date last updated

Tuesday 26 June 2018
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