Kansas City Preventive Patrol Experiment (1970s): Key Findings

The landmark Kansas City Preventive Patrol Experiment (1972–1973) tested whether varying police patrol levels affected crime. Researchers divided the city into three zones:

• High Patrol: 2–3x normal patrol frequency.
• Standard Patrol: Normal reactive patrol.
• Low Patrol: No preventive patrol; officers only responded to calls.

Major Findings

1. No significant difference in crime rates (reported or victimization) across the three zones.
2. No difference in citizen fear of crime or satisfaction with police.
3. No difference in traffic accidents or response times.
4. Officer activity (arrests, field interviews) increased in high-patrol area but didn't translate to crime reduction.

Implications

The study challenged the core assumption that "more patrol = less crime." It shifted policing strategy toward directed patrol, problem-oriented policing, community policing, and hot-spot targeting—using data and community engagement rather than random omnipresence.

It remains one of the most cited experiments in criminology and evidence-based policing.