Spatial and Temporal Aspects of Alcohol-Related Crime in a College Town

Abstract

Objective: The authors aimed to clarify crime "movement" through the city of Madison to focus efforts to address consequences of student drinking. The authors examined all crime reported by police during the 2003 year. Methods: Using geographical information system (GIS) mapping and 2003 crime data from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the city of Madison, the authors investigated the relationships among high-density alcohol outlets and various city neighborhoods. Results: Different categories of crime showed different temporal and spatial patterns: Serious crimes peaked between 2 and 3AM, coinciding with bar closing time. Less serious crimes peaked between 11PM and midnight. Reports of vandalism peaked in the morning and afternoon. "Hotspots" for different crimes moved throughout the downtown. Results were consistent with problems associated with high-risk student drinking in college communities. Conclusion: These results and maps generated by GIS led directly to changes made by city and university officials to address high-risk drinking.

Keywords:

• binge drinking
• campus-community coalition
• college crime
• environmental approach
• environmental interventions
• GIS mapping
• high-risk drinking