Increasing police patrols over large areas
Evidence-rated crime-reduction intervention (EMMIE).
Effect on crime
reduces crime
Evidence quality
very strong
Cost
low
What the evidence says
This intervention focuses on increasing police patrols over large geographic areas, such as neighborhoods and districts, to reduce crime. Evidence from a meta-analysis of 17 studies suggests that this approach has led to a 9% overall reduction in crime. There were significant decreases in property crime and violent offences, though no significant effect on drug and disorder offences was found.
How it works
The intervention works by increasing the visibility of police, which is assumed to deter crime by raising the perceived risk of apprehension among potential offenders. Increased patrol presence is thought to decrease opportunities for crime.
Implementation
Implementation should target high-crime areas rather than random locations, and officers should be informed about specific crime types in their patrol area. A hybrid approach combining hot spots policing and larger area patrols is recommended.
Source: College of Policing Crime Reduction Toolkit (What Works Centre for Crime Reduction). Summarised 2026-07-15. BlueLineHub is independent and not affiliated with the College of Policing.