Introduction

The relationship between gentrification and police presence is often misunderstood. Some believe that as a neighborhood improves, the police are less likely to be seen patrolling the streets. However, this perception is often based on false premises. In reality, police departments, especially in larger cities, are data-driven and respond based on crime patterns and community needs.

Data-Driven Policing in Gentrifying Neighborhoods

When a neighborhood starts to gentrify, it is not unusual for the police presence to increase. This increase is due to new residents who are more likely to call the police about petty crimes and quality of life issues. For example, stolen bikes, loud parties late into the night, or littering in front of homes are more likely to be reported by middle-class individuals than by longtime residents who may have accepted such behavior.

Case Study: The Old Neighborhood

One example can be seen in my old neighborhood, where prostitution was rampant. The police received numerous 911 calls about johns being "serviced" in alleys late at night. This data was analyzed by the division commander, who then dispatched patrols accordingly. Similarly, in a city where 40 murders occurred within a 10-block radius, the police were likely more active in that area, despite the neighborhood not being gentrified.
This data-driven approach ensures that resources are allocated efficiently to reduce crime.

Historical Context and Racial Profiling Concerns

Some cities do not want their police to patrol higher-crime areas for fear of racial profiling. These areas are often populated primarily by minority citizens, and the city may decide not to patrol aggressively. This can lead to a cycle where crime increases, putting pressure on city officials to increase police presence or allocate more resources without recognizing the root causes of the issue.

Misunderstanding and Political Accountability

Politicians and community leaders often want police to clean up the mess they created. For example, in Baltimore and Detroit, which were once one-industry communities, rapid job losses and economic decline led to deteriorating neighborhoods. Despite this, politicians often demand increased police presence without addressing the underlying economic issues.

Conclusion

The increase in police presence during gentrification is not a reflection of a change in policing strategy but rather a response to community needs. Data-driven policing ensures that resources are allocated where they are needed most. Gentrification often brings new residents who report more crimes, leading to a visible increase in police presence. It is important to approach these issues with a data-driven mindset to effectively address crime and improve public safety.