Targeting ‘micro areas’ through hotspot policing can reduce crime city-wide, says new research

24th April 2025Sarah Gibbons, Contributing Editor, Policing Insight

A new study of a two-year hotspot policing approach in Dallas, Texas, has found that targeting a small number of ‘micro areas’ not only cut crime in those places but reduced crime city-wide, with researchers suggesting the approach offers an ideal, scalable solution to target violent crime – particularly for forces facing officer shortages – as Policing Insight’s Sarah Gibbons reports.

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Targeting ‘micro areas’ through hotspot policing can reduce crime city-wide, says new research

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