Patrol evaluation research: a multiple-baseline analysis of saturation police patrolling during day and night hours.

Lowe et al. (1977) tested saturation police patrol in a city. They used a multiple-baseline design across day and night shifts.

Officers flooded the streets for extra hours. The team counted Part I crimes like robbery and burglary before, during, and after the extra patrols.

Night saturation patrol cut crime reports. Day patrols did nothing.

The authors said the small drop at night may not pay the overtime bill.

Greene et al. (1978) switched from ground to helicopter patrol the next year. Day helicopter flights did cut home burglaries and made money. The mixed ground result was replaced by a clear aerial win.

Bernal et al. (1980) flew the same helicopter plan over two neighborhoods. High-density blocks got fewer burglaries; low-density blocks saw no change. The 1977 ground study now looks like an early hint that place matters.

Malagodi et al. (1975) ran an earlier ground test. Walking patrol raised crime reporting but did not cut crime. The 1977 study repeats that patrol alone often fails unless it is targeted.

Extra boots on the street work only at night and only sometimes. Before you ask for more staff hours, run a quick baseline and reversal in your zone. Track the exact hours, place, and cost. If the data do not show a clear drop within weeks, shift the plan or the schedule rather than burning overtime.