Criminology | Penn Today

Study shows new LED streetlights helped reduce crime in Philadelphia at night

A study by John MacDonald of the School of Arts & Sciences demonstrated that large-scale streetlight upgrades can lead to significant reductions in crime rates.

Aerial view of College Hall and Penn’s campus.

A first-of-its-kind master’s program for police leaders

The new graduate degree from the Department of Criminology and the College of Liberal & Professional Studies will begin next fall. It aims to teach evidence-based research to foster more equitable practices.

Baltimore gave $61M — 10% — of its COVID funds to public safety. Where did it go?

A study from the Crime and Justice Policy Lab at the School of Arts & Sciences estimates that Baltimore’s Group Violence Reduction Strategy reduced homicides and shootings in the city’s western police district by about a quarter and reduced carjackings by about a third.

Police officers patrolling Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus in central London

Airbnbs associated with more crime in London, new study shows

Since its founding in 2008, the short-term homestay platform Airbnb has expanded to 100,000 cities in more than 220 countries, and, according to data from the company, 1.5 billion guests had stayed in Airbnb-listed properties through 2023.

Airbnb rentals ‘drive up crime rates’

A study co-authored by David Kirk of the School of Arts & Sciences suggests that Airbnb’s crime mitigation measures aren’t working properly.

Nonfatal shootings usually have a low solve rate. St. Paul police focus on reversing that trend

Ben Struhl of the School of Arts & Sciences says it’s difficult to study whether there is a direct correlation between improving homicide clearance rates and decreased gun violence, though such a link would make sense.

Want students to succeed? Give them safe homes

A 2021 Penn study showed that home repairs in low-income, predominantly Black neighborhoods led to a decrease in crime.

Gun violence is falling across the country. How does Baltimore compare?

A team of crime analysts from Penn presented findings from a gun violence reduction strategy through a 2022 pilot program in Baltimore.

Daily omega-3 supplements may change your behavior, scientists reveal

A study by Adrian Raine of the School of Arts & Sciences suggests that daily omega-3 supplements can lead to a reduction in aggressive behavior.

Taussia Boadi and Cheryl Nnadi pose on Penn's campus in front of College Hall, green grass and a huge tree.

Positioned for Success

The program, launched by recent College of Arts and Sciences grads Taussia Boadi and Cheryl Nnadi, was a 2023 Projects for Progress winner and provides academic support to middle school students affected by gun violence.

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