Measuring diffusion of assaults around bars through radius and adjacency techniques

The emergence of user-friendly Geographical Information Systems (GIS) has revitalized interest in the study of urban crime patterns. Among the avenues of research from this expansion of interest is the study of diffusion of crime within neighborhoods or around urban structures. As with any new technology, initial use often focuses on the tasks and methods of the technology, with little discussion of the appropriateness of such use. This is evidenced in the diverse methodologies employed in measuring diffusion and lack of standardized method in this area. What is more, little research has demonstrated a comprehensive comparison of methods. The difference in employing two methods-radial buffers and adjacent blocks-to determine the number of assaults occurring in the area bordering or adjacent to bars in Omaha, Nebraska is investigated. Results indicate that the particular method used to identify diffusion effects could dictate substantially disparate findings. Implications of this comparison are discussed.