The following appeared in a recommendation from the President of the Amburg Chamber of Commerce.” Last October, the city of Belleville installed high-intensity lighting in its central business district, and vandalism there declined almost immediately. The city of Amburg, on the other hand, recently instituted police patrols on bicycles in its business district. However, the rate of vandalism here remains constant. Since high-intensity lighting is clearly the most effective way to combat crime, we recommend using the money that is currently being spent on bicycle patrols to install such lighting throughout Amburg. If we install this high-intensity lighting, we will significantly reduce crime rates in Amburg.”

The following appeared in a recommendation from the President of the Amburg Chamber of Commerce.

“Last October, the city of Belleville installed high-intensity lighting in its central business district, and vandalism there declined almost immediately. The city of Amburg, on the other hand, recently instituted police patrols on bicycles in its business district. However, the rate of vandalism here remains constant. Since high-intensity lighting is clearly the most effective way to combat crime, we recommend using the money that is currently being spent on bicycle patrols to install such lighting throughout Amburg. If we install this high-intensity lighting, we will significantly reduce crime rates in Amburg.”

Write a response in which you discuss what questions would need to be answered in order to decide whether the recommendation is likely to have the predicted result. Be sure to explain how the answers to these questions would help to evaluate the recommendation.

The President of the Amburg Chamber of Commerce is recommending that Amburg install high-intensity lighting in its business district. Crime reduction is the driving force behind any urban municipality’s decision to install public lighting. However, the statistics he presents do not support his assertion. When all is said and done, crime rates in Amburg are stable, and the only reason why crime in the downtown area has escalated is that more businesses have opened there. The steady rise in crime in Amburg could be the result of many factors, including new residents, a growing population, and a rise in transients. If the police department has the resources to devote more officers to the downtown area, then an increase in police presence could lead to a decrease in crime. However, given the numbers presented in the president’s recommendation, it makes more sense for the city to invest in a smarter and more efficient crime prevention measure, such as surveillance cameras or a security system, rather than increasing its police force.

If the crime rate in Amburg is stable, then it obviously does not need an increase in lighting. If Amburg were to implement lighting, it would most likely have to install new lights, because the existing ones would not be adequate for the problem at hand. If the police department already has enough officers, then there is no need to install additional lighting. Crime rates in Amburg are stable and are attracting more businesses, so the city should be investing in more police officers. If the police department has the resources to provide more officers, then the city could consider installing surveillance cameras or a security network. Given the steady increase in crime in Amburg, there is no reason to assume that installing more lighting will have a positive effect on crime.