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The heat: temperature, police behavior and the enforcement of law

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  • Matt E. Ryan

    (Duquesne University)

Abstract

Despite ample investigation into the influence of ambient temperature on behavior, and especially on criminal activity, little research exists on the impact of temperature on police behavior. As such, this analysis tests the “heat hypothesis” over 5 years of traffic stops by the City of Pittsburgh Police Department. Across a range of specifications, police officers are more likely to issue traffic citations when temperatures are warmer—holding constant driving behavior—and the magnitude of the increase is comparable to citation rate discrepancies between black and white drivers.

Suggested Citation

  • Matt E. Ryan, 2020. "The heat: temperature, police behavior and the enforcement of law," European Journal of Law and Economics, Springer, vol. 49(2), pages 187-203, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:ejlwec:v:49:y:2020:i:2:d:10.1007_s10657-020-09646-6
    DOI: 10.1007/s10657-020-09646-6
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Vladimir Otrachshenko & Olga Popova & José Tavares, 2021. "Extreme Temperature And Extreme Violence: Evidence From Russia," Economic Inquiry, Western Economic Association International, vol. 59(1), pages 243-262, January.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Heat hypothesis; Traffic stops; Enforcement of law;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • K42 - Law and Economics - - Legal Procedure, the Legal System, and Illegal Behavior - - - Illegal Behavior and the Enforcement of Law

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