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The relationship between crime information centers and crime: A micro-synthetic evaluation of a district-level policing strategy

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  • Lawrence, Daniel S.
  • Peterson, Bryce E.
  • March, Madison

Abstract

In 2018, the Baltimore Police Department established Baltimore City Intelligence Centers (BCICs) to strengthen criminal investigations and support more effective directed patrol operations. The BCICs were modeled after the Chicago Police Department's Strategic Decision Support Centers—more generically known as “crime information centers.” Like real-time crime centers (RTCCs), BCICs integrate technologies and intelligence to combat crime. However, while RTCCs are generally centralized within a jurisdiction, BCICs operate at the district level. This localized structure enables personnel to gather and disseminate intelligence tailored to specific geographic areas, supporting more targeted and proactive policing strategies. This study analyzes 10 years of Baltimore crime data (April 2013 to June, 2023) using micro-synthetic control models to evaluate the impact of four BCICs on crime levels. Findings reveal mixed effects across BCIC districts; however, the centers were generally associated with increases in recorded crime, particularly person crimes and incidents occurring outdoors. These findings likely reflect an improved capacity to detect and document crime that may have otherwise gone unreported.

Suggested Citation

  • Lawrence, Daniel S. & Peterson, Bryce E. & March, Madison, 2026. "The relationship between crime information centers and crime: A micro-synthetic evaluation of a district-level policing strategy," Journal of Criminal Justice, Elsevier, vol. 102(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jcjust:v:102:y:2026:i:c:s0047235225002211
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jcrimjus.2025.102572
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Kimberly Przeszlowski & Rob T. Guerette & Lori K. Sudderth, 2023. "The Role and Impact of the Use of Information Technologies by Police in Response to Violence against Women," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(12), pages 1-18, June.
    2. Arietti, Rachael, 2024. "Do real-time crime centers improve case clearance? An examination of Chicago's strategic decision support centers," Journal of Criminal Justice, Elsevier, vol. 90(C).
    3. Jessica Saunders & Russell Lundberg & Anthony A. Braga & Greg Ridgeway & Jeremy Miles, 2015. "A Synthetic Control Approach to Evaluating Place-Based Crime Interventions," Journal of Quantitative Criminology, Springer, vol. 31(3), pages 413-434, September.
    4. Michael W. Robbins & Jessica Saunders & Beau Kilmer, 2017. "A Framework for Synthetic Control Methods With High-Dimensional, Micro-Level Data: Evaluating a Neighborhood-Specific Crime Intervention," Journal of the American Statistical Association, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 112(517), pages 109-126, January.
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