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Substance abuse treatment centers and local crime

Author

Listed:
  • Bondurant, Samuel R.
  • Lindo, Jason M.
  • Swensen, Isaac D.

Abstract

In this paper we estimate the effects of expanding access to substance-abuse treatment on local crime. We do so using an identification strategy that leverages variation driven by substance-abuse-treatment facility openings and closings measured at the county level. The results indicate that substance-abuse-treatment facilities reduce both violent and financially motivated crimes in an area, and that the effects are particularly pronounced for relatively serious crimes. The effects on homicides are documented in two sources of homicide data and are concentrated in highly populated areas.

Suggested Citation

  • Bondurant, Samuel R. & Lindo, Jason M. & Swensen, Isaac D., 2018. "Substance abuse treatment centers and local crime," Journal of Urban Economics, Elsevier, vol. 104(C), pages 124-133.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:juecon:v:104:y:2018:i:c:p:124-133
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jue.2018.01.007
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Substance abuse treatment; Crime; Homicides;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I12 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health Behavior
    • K14 - Law and Economics - - Basic Areas of Law - - - Criminal Law
    • K42 - Law and Economics - - Legal Procedure, the Legal System, and Illegal Behavior - - - Illegal Behavior and the Enforcement of Law

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