I led a recent analysis of California’s crime-free housing policies that found they had no effect on crime. Other researchers have found that by driving people into desperation and homelessness, nuisance property ordinances may actually increase property crime. Crime-free housing policies backfire partly because they treat 911 calls as an indicator of criminal activity. People who are evicted struggle to find housing again, and tenants removed from public housing are prohibited from receiving housing assistance. People have been evicted under crime-free housing policies over kids playing basketball or jumping on a trampoline and because of complaints about barbecues.

Source: Los Angeles Times January 12, 2024 10:35 UTC