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The effect of highly publicized police killings on policing: Evidence from large U.S. cities

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  • Cheng, Cheng
  • Long, Wei

Abstract

Do highly publicized police killings of civilians have a widespread effect on policing activities? Focusing on such incidents in the United States during 2014–2016 and adopting different identification strategies, we study the effect in large U.S. cities. We conduct a single-city analysis of St. Louis and a multi-city analysis of 60 large cities. Our regression discontinuity and difference-in-differences estimates provide consistent and strong evidence that those high-profile killings reduced policing activities, including police self-initiated activities and arrests. The estimated reduction in self-initiated activities shows that police officers proactively withdrew from law enforcement activities, providing direct evidence of de-policing.

Suggested Citation

  • Cheng, Cheng & Long, Wei, 2022. "The effect of highly publicized police killings on policing: Evidence from large U.S. cities," Journal of Public Economics, Elsevier, vol. 206(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:pubeco:v:206:y:2022:i:c:s0047272721001936
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jpubeco.2021.104557
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Highly publicized police killings; Policing;

    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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