Rutgers Criminal & Traffic Offenses

Rutgers Criminal & Traffic Offenses

Reducing Crime by Focusing on Situational Factors

In the 1990s, Rutgers researchers were at the forefront of developing and testing new approaches to reducing crime opportunities. Criminologists like Marcus Felson argued that rather than focusing solely on addressing the motivations of criminals, effective crime prevention requires making criminal acts more difficult to commit. This approach is known as situational crime prevention.

In a landmark 1995 study titled “Redesigning Hell,” Rutgers researchers redesigned and improved security and maintenance at several crime-ridden apartment complexes in New Jersey. By installing better locks, lighting, fencing, and making other environmental improvements, the researchers achieved dramatic reductions in robbery, burglary, and automobile theft at the sites. As criminologist Ronald V. Clarke summarized, “This project demonstrated unequivocally that situational prevention measures alone can produce large decreases in crimes, even in very high-crime areas.”

Situational crime prevention remains an important approach used by police departments and community groups to this day. Strategies like target hardening, access control, and surveillance can effectively reduce criminal opportunities. Rutgers research showed that we don’t have to just focus on reforming offenders – we can also make society’s physical spaces less conducive to illegal behavior.

Racial Disparities in Traffic Stops

Another issue Rutgers scholars have studied extensively is racial bias and disparities in traffic enforcement practices. Research by legal scholars like David Harris found that racial minorities, particularly African Americans, are stopped and searched by police at much higher rates than whites – even though contraband is found at lower rates for minorities.

These findings suggest unequal and discriminatory treatment, rather than unbiased crime control efforts. In a groundbreaking report on traffic stops in New Jersey, the ACLU and Rutgers researchers concluded: “The data establishes that blacks and Latinos are more likely to be stopped and searched, even though searches of white motorists are more likely to turn up contraband.”

Proactive policing tactics like pretextual traffic stops have also faced scrutiny. Officers sometimes use minor traffic violations as a pretext to investigate unrelated crimes for which they lack reasonable suspicion. This practice raises concerns about privacy, discrimination, and abuse of police powers. As Rutgers law professor Sandy Mayson argues, pretextual stops should be limited to traffic safety purposes, not fishing expeditions.

Alternatives to Incarceration

With America’s prison population skyrocketing since the 1970s, Rutgers scholars have advocated alternatives to incarceration, especially for less serious offenses. Imprisoning large numbers of people for minor crimes like drug possession is costly and often counterproductive.

Professor Todd Clear makes a case for “decarceration” in his book Imprisoning Communities. Clear argues that high incarceration rates damage social networks and economic opportunities in minority communities. Alternative sanctions like probation, restitution, community service and rehabilitation programs can provide accountability without the collateral harms of imprisonment.

For traffic offenses, Rutgers researchers have proposed restorative justice approaches. Rather than strict punishment, drivers could be sentenced to community service plus participation in educational workshops on traffic safety. This balances accountability with opportunities for reconciliation and personal development.

Legitimacy, Procedural Justice and Police-Citizen Encounters

How police officers exercise their authority during encounters with citizens has a major impact on public trust and cooperation with law enforcement. Rutgers social psychologists have studied how principles of procedural justice shape these interactions.

When officers treat people with dignity and respect, explain their reasons for stops/arrests, and give citizens voice, people view the police as more legitimate and are more likely to comply with the law. In a randomized controlled trial, Rutgers researchers found training officers in procedural justice led to fewer citizen complaints and more positive attitudes toward police.

During traffic stops, officers can promote legitimacy by being courteous, listening compassionately, and clearly explaining the reasons for the stop. They should also exercise discretion reasonably to avoid unduly harsh enforcement. As researcher Tom Tyler concludes, “procedural justice shapes police legitimacy, which in turn impacts citizen behaviors.”

Conclusion

For over 50 years, Rutgers University has been a leading institution advancing evidence-based reforms in criminal justice and traffic enforcement. Through rigorous empirical studies and policy analysis, Rutgers scholars have highlighted what works – and what doesn’t – in preventing crime, reducing bias, and promoting fair and just policing. As America continues grappling with these complex issues, we can look to Rutgers research for guidance on enacting positive change.