Criminology

Wrongful convictions reported for 6 percent of crimes

For capital crimes like rape and murder, wrongful convictions happen in about 3 to 5 percent of cases. Such an estimate had proved elusive for the prison population as a whole—until now, thanks to work from Penn criminologists.

Michele W. Berger

Short-term effects of Daylight Saving Time

Assaults decrease by 3 percent the Monday after the switch to Daylight Saving Time in the spring, according to research from Penn criminologists.

Michele W. Berger

Cleaning up vacant lots makes neighborhoods safer

Removing trash and debris, grading land, planting new grass, and maintaining lots resulted in a 29 percent reduction in gun violence, 22 percent decrease in burglaries, and 30 percent drop in nuisances.

Michele W. Berger

The challenge: Create a tool predicting where crime will happen

The idea that machine learning can aid in the enforcement of the law inspired a competition held by the National Institute of Justice. Using five years of data from the city of Portland, Ore., a team led by criminologist Charles Loeffler tied for first in the Large Business Division.

Michele W. Berger



In the News


Baltimore Sun

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.

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The Telegraph

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.

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Twin Cities Pioneer Press

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.

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Philadelphia Citizen

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.

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Baltimore Banner

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.

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Newsweek

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.

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