A better estimation of police costs by offence types / by Holly Ellingwood.: PS113-1/2015-18E-PDF

The economics of policing and cost of crime remain important issues in Canada, yet much of it is done at an aggregated, macro-level, disallowing more granular estimates. The aim of the current project is to provide a better estimate by examining police data at a micro-level to allow for a more accurate assessment on policing costs by offence type. This report assesses policing costs through collaboration with two different Canadian police services (Waterloo Regional Police Service and Ontario Provincial Police).The tangible costs of policing by offence type are calculated using hours and salaries per incident. These results are compared, when possible, to the costs of non-criminal police activities. Analysis of Waterloo Regional Police Service data reveals the proportion for cost of crime is 52.49% and 54.5% of total cost for reactionary and preventative policing in 2012 and 2013 respectively. Primary costs for calls for service in Waterloo are attributable to reactive and preventative police activities. Ontario Provincial Police data shows little variation in crime expenditures. OPP crime related costs were higher than non-criminal activity expenditures, showing an average cost of crime per year of 75.95% for 2009 to 2012. Factoring in patrol costs in 2013 reduced the average cost of crime related costs to 45%. Comparisons between UCR categories and victimization categories for interpersonal and property crimes indicate estimate outcomes changes depending on the chosen metric. The findings suggest standardized definitions to ensure comparable metrics are used across studies and that more detailed, accurate analyses can provide more informative outcomes.

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publications.gc.ca/pub?id=9.800625&sl=0

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