A randomised control trial of hotspot policing on the London bus network (Operation Menas)
Randomised Control Trial Status
Completed
Trial Hypothesis
That patrolling the most chronic hotspot on the London bus network for 15 minutes at a time will reduce crime.
Research Institution / Organisation
University of Cambridge
In Collaboration With
Metropolitan Police Service and Transport for London
Project Start Date
January 2014
Participants - inclusion criteria
The trial sites were identified using community safety Driver Incident Reports. These are calls made by bus drivers to CentreComm, the London Buses control room, who determine whether an emergency response is required. Incidents may include criminal damage to the bus, passengers refusing to pay, threatening violence etc. Data supplied by iBus allows incidents to be closely matched to the nearest appropriate bus stop. Trial sites were tested for spatial autocorrelation and temporal stability. Crime and CAD data supplied by the Metropolitan Police will be the primary outcome measures for the trial.
Study Design
Fully randomised control trial
Interventions
Proactive patrol by a pair of officers (one PC, one PCSO) in the hotspot for 15 minutes. Hotspots to receive at least three treatments a day for three months.
Outcome Measures
The Metropolitan Police Service recorded crime and bus driver incident reports.
Date last updated
Monday 25 June 2018
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