Hampton to host DOJ‑funded three‑year hot‑spots policing evaluation with University of Chicago team

Hampton city leaders heard a detailed briefing on a U.S. Department of Justice‑funded three‑year evaluation of micro hot‑spots policing led by the NRC (affiliated with the University of Chicago) with partners at George Mason University.

Dr. Bruce Taylor, the project's principal investigator, told the council the study will randomly assign identified micro hot spots — single blocks, apartment complexes or clusters of problem addresses — to receive a tailored intervention or continue with standard police services. "We will know 1 way or another whether this intervention works or not," Taylor said, describing the team’s plan for baseline data collection, officer and resident surveys and one‑year follow‑up assessments.

The project includes training for officers, locally hired data collectors and a range of possible interventions — from improved lighting and fencing to youth engagement — determined with input from officers and residents. Taylor said the evaluation will also measure effects on residents' perceptions of safety and police legitimacy, addressing what the presentation described as a gap in the prior literature.

Hampton's police chief supported the partnership as a way to validate and sharpen existing work. The chief told council the study could "reinforce what's important to us in regards to the way that we police in our community" and added the work aligns with the department's stated mission that prevention is the first responsibility.

The city manager noted the grant will appear on the evening consent agenda for formal acceptance.