Explanation
Hotspot policing is a crime prevention strategy that concentrates police presence and interventions in geographic areas where crime is highly concentrated.
Research consistently shows that crime is not evenly distributed across cities but clustered in relatively small locations or “hotspots,” such as:
- specific streets,
- intersections,
- transport hubs,
- bars and nightlife districts,
- or public housing areas.
Hotspot policing strategies may include:
- increased patrol presence,
- problem-oriented policing,
- surveillance technologies,
- crime mapping and predictive analytics,
- or focused deterrence measures.
The approach is strongly influenced by environmental criminology, routine activity theory, and crime pattern theory.
Critics argue that hotspot policing may contribute to over-policing, racial disparities, surveillance expansion, and the displacement of crime to surrounding areas.
Theoretical Reference
Hotspot policing is associated with environmental criminology, crime mapping, routine activity theory, problem-oriented policing, and situational crime prevention.