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Gang Rivalry and Crime: A Differential Game Approach

Author

Listed:
  • Faria João Ricardo

    (Department of Economics, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL33431, USA)

  • Mixon Franklin G.

    (Center for Economic Education, Columbus State University, Columbus, GA31907, USA)

  • Upadhyaya Ashish

    (School of Health Sciences, University of New Haven, West Haven, CT06516, USA)

  • Upadhyaya Kamal P.

    (Department of Economics, University of New Haven, West Haven, CT06516, USA)

Abstract

This study contributes to the modern literature on the economics of crime by proposing and solving two models of a differential game that considers the dynamic strategic behavior of two gangs engaged in a territorial conflict. The police force acts as the leader in the game. In the first model, each gang is concerned solely by the actions of the other, thus leading to an equilibrium wherein the greater one gang’s criminal activity, the greater the rival gang’s criminal activity. In the second model both gangs account primarily for police activities aimed at maintaining law and order, thus leading to an equilibrium wherein the gangs respond directly to the law enforcement activities of the police force. Exploratory analyses employing gang-related crime and police activities in Los Angeles provide empirical support for the main features of both models of the differential game, such as how gang rivalry fuels criminal activity and how the role of police is crucial in reducing gang-related crime.

Suggested Citation

  • Faria João Ricardo & Mixon Franklin G. & Upadhyaya Ashish & Upadhyaya Kamal P., 2019. "Gang Rivalry and Crime: A Differential Game Approach," Review of Law & Economics, De Gruyter, vol. 15(2), pages 1-30, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:bpj:rlecon:v:15:y:2019:i:2:p:30:n:5
    DOI: 10.1515/rle-2018-0017
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    gang-related crime; gang rivalry; police enforcement; differential games; economics of crime;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C70 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Game Theory and Bargaining Theory - - - General
    • D00 - Microeconomics - - General - - - General
    • D74 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Conflict; Conflict Resolution; Alliances; Revolutions
    • K42 - Law and Economics - - Legal Procedure, the Legal System, and Illegal Behavior - - - Illegal Behavior and the Enforcement of Law

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