by Samuel R. Bondurant, Jason M. Lindo, Isaac D. Swensen – #22610 (HC HE PE)
Abstract:
In this paper we estimate the effects of expanding access to
substance-abuse treatment on local crime. We do so using an
identification strategy that leverages variation driven by
substance-abuse-treatment facility openings and closings measured at
the county level. The results indicate that
substance-abuse-treatment facilities reduce both violent and
financially motivated crimes in an area, and that the effects are
particularly pronounced for relatively serious crimes. The effects
on homicides are documented across three sources of homicide data.