The effect of municipal drug fund revenues on crime rates

Douglas Campbell () and Sarah Johnson ()
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Douglas Campbell: The University of Memphis
Sarah Johnson: The University of Memphis

Economics Bulletin, 2015, vol. 35, issue 4, 2439-2442

Abstract: This paper examines the relationship between municipal drug fund revenues and crime rates in the Memphis, Tennessee metropolitan statistical area (MSA). Such revenues have garnered media attention in recent months for sometimes-controversial reasons. In some jurisdictions, these revenues are significant sources of funding for local police departments, although questions have been raised about the constitutionality of their sources, as well as their efficacy. Using data gathered from municipalities in the Memphis, TN MSA, in this paper we attempt to determine if those funds are effective at reducing crime rates. Our conclusion is that the funds have little impact on local crime rates, although we must note that a relatively small sample size might contribute to this lack of significance. Nonetheless, this paper contributes to the dialogue about the above issue.

Keywords: crime; public spending; drug funds (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: H3 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2015-11-21
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