Criminology and Criminal Justice Commons^™

Routine Crime In Exceptional Times: The Impact Of The 2002 Winter Olympics On Citizen Demand For Police Services, Scott H. Decker, Sean P. Varano, Jack R. Greene

Justice Studies Faculty Publications

Despite their rich theoretical and practical importance, criminologists have paid scant attention to the patterns of crime and the responses to crime during exceptional events. Throughout the world large-scale political, social, economic, cultural, and sporting events have become commonplace. Natural disasters such as blackouts, hurricanes, tornadoes, and tsunamis present similar opportunities. Such events often tax the capacities of jurisdictions to provide safety and security in response to the exceptional event, as well as to meet the “routine” public safety needs. This article examines “routine” crime as measured by calls for police service, official crime reports, and police arrests in Salt …